Lesson 4 - Attacking and Defending Tactics
Tactics & Leadership
•Year 6
•Netball
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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
2-3 balls per court for continuous play
Alternative: Size 4 footballs if netballs unavailable
Position at each end of courts, 2.5m high
Alternative: Basketball hoops lowered to 2.5m, or tall cones with hoops
Mark two courts approximately 20m x 15m each
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape on floor
One set per team for easy identification
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or team bands
For student officials and teacher supervision
Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable
For teams to record tactics and scores
Alternative: Mental scoring or phone apps
Key Vocabulary
Planned movements and strategies used by a team to create scoring opportunities
Organised strategies used to prevent the opposing team from scoring
Five playing positions: Centre, Wing Attack, Goal Attack, Wing Defence, Goal Defence
Moving to areas where you can receive the ball safely and effectively
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball or scoring
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
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