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Lesson 4 - Attacking and Defending Tactics

Tactics & Leadership

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we create and apply effective attacking and defending tactics to win possession and score points in netball?

Learning Objectives

To create, understand and apply attacking tactics in High Five Netball game situations
To develop and implement defending tactics to prevent opponents from scoring
To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during tactical gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will combine passing and moving skills to create shooting opportunities
Students will apply defensive tactics to prevent opponents from scoring
Students will understand and perform the roles of all five positions in High Five Netball

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

6-8 balls

2-3 balls per court for continuous play

Alternative: Size 4 footballs if netballs unavailable

Posts

4 posts (2 per court)

Position at each end of courts, 2.5m high

Alternative: Basketball hoops lowered to 2.5m, or tall cones with hoops

Markers Cones

16-20 cones

Mark two courts approximately 20m x 15m each

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape on floor

Bibs

15 bibs (3 sets of 5 different colours)

One set per team for easy identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or team bands

Whistles

2-3 whistles

For student officials and teacher supervision

Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable

Pencils

3 sets

For teams to record tactics and scores

Alternative: Mental scoring or phone apps

Key Vocabulary

Attacking tactics

Planned movements and strategies used by a team to create scoring opportunities

Defending tactics

Organised strategies used to prevent the opposing team from scoring

High Five Netball positions

Five playing positions: Centre, Wing Attack, Goal Attack, Wing Defence, Goal Defence

Creating space

Moving to areas where you can receive the ball safely and effectively

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball or scoring

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass, shoulder pass)
Fundamental footwork and pivoting skills
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Knowledge of High Five Netball positions

Current Skills

Creating and implementing team attacking tactics
Developing coordinated defending strategies
Applying tactical knowledge in game situations
Effective communication during gameplay

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations and adaptations
Leadership and coaching skills development
Transition to 7-a-side netball
Tournament and competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Students create tactics that result in successful shots

Teams demonstrate coordinated defending that prevents scores

Players switch fluidly between attacking and defending roles

Students can explain and teach tactics to others

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise tactical teamwork over individual skill demonstration
Connect all activities to attacking and defending tactical principles
Support student officials to develop leadership and rule understanding
Celebrate tactical creativity and innovative team strategies
Encourage clear communication during all tactical activities
Link tactical learning to broader life skills and problem-solving
Maintain focus on learning and development rather than just winning

Common Misconceptions

Believing tactics are only about where to stand rather than how to move as a team
Thinking good tactics means copying professional strategies exactly
Assuming attacking and defending are completely separate rather than fluid transitions
Believing only the captain needs to understand tactics
Thinking complex tactics are always better than simple effective ones
Assuming tactics can't be changed during games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter tactical planning sessions, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, simplified tactical instructions

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for tactical concepts, visual tactical guides

autism spectrum

Clear tactical routines, visual tactical cards, predictable game structure, quiet planning areas available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured netballs, verbal tactical descriptions, buddy system for court navigation, clear verbal instructions for all activities

hearing impairment

Visual tactical demonstrations, hand signals for game management, written tactical plans, visual court positioning guides

physical disability

Adapted passing heights, wheelchair accessible positions, modified court sizes, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, tactical explanation skills, listening and speaking in team discussions

Maths

Scoring systems, time management, spatial awareness, angles of passing, statistical analysis of tactical success

Science

Forces in passing and shooting, physics of ball flight, body systems during exercise, biomechanics of netball movements

Geography

Court positioning and spatial relationships, directional awareness, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork skills, fair play values, conflict resolution, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during games to observe tactical application and provide feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical implementation, communication quality, and safe competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in if tactics become too complex, students show frustration, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear tactical examples, support student officials, celebrate tactical successes publicly

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your team tactic!'
•'Great tactical communication!'
•'Show me that defending strategy!'
•'Perfect transition from attack to defence!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two netball courts (minimum 30m x 15m each) with 2m safety border around perimeters

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, nets and posts securely positioned

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are stable and securely positioned
•Ensure netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify court markers are secure and won't cause trips
•Check bibs are in good condition without sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during fast-paced games
•Falls when changing direction quickly or jumping
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between courts to prevent collisions
•Progressive skill building before full game application
•Regular rest periods during rotations
•Student officials trained to manage safe play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of both courts during games
•Monitor high-activity areas near goals and centre court
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe play
•Support student officials in maintaining safe games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required