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Lesson 1 - Consolidating Possession in Netball

Tactics & Leadership

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we master possession in netball to create winning opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate passing and moving skills to maintain possession effectively
To apply tactical awareness when creating and exploiting space in netball
To demonstrate consistent accuracy in a variety of netball passes under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will execute accurate passes whilst moving at pace to maintain team possession
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making to create scoring opportunities
Students will apply consolidated skills in competitive netball game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Posts

3 sets

Position at each end of courts, ensure secure and at correct height (2.75m for Year 6)

Alternative: Tall cones with hoops, basketball hoops

Netball

1 per 4 students (8 minimum)

Check inflation, have spare balls ready for continuous play

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, rugby balls for passing practice

Bibs

2 sets of 15 (different colours)

Ensure clear colour contrast between teams, have extras for officials

Alternative: Coloured bands, team strips

Markers Cones

20-30

Mark court boundaries, thirds, and endzones clearly

Alternative: Sports markers, chalk lines

Whistles

3-4

For teacher and student officials during games

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Stopwatch

For timing game segments and activities

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, gym clock

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team, aiming to keep it away from the opposition

Chest Pass

A two-handed pass from the chest, ideal for accurate short to medium distance passing

Shoulder Pass

A one-handed pass from shoulder height, useful for longer distances and when under pressure

Bounce Pass

A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver, useful for passing around defenders

Creating Space

Moving to areas of the court where you can receive the ball without interference from defenders

Endzone

A designated scoring area at each end of the court where points are scored

High Five Netball

A modified version of netball with 5 players per side and simplified positions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball passing techniques from Year 5
Understanding of creating space and moving without the ball
Knowledge of netball court areas and basic rules

Current Skills

Consolidating possession through varied passing combinations
Enhanced tactical decision-making under pressure
Refined shooting technique and rebounding skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play including set plays and formations
Position-specific skills and responsibilities in 7-a-side netball
Leadership and coaching skills development

Milestone Indicators

Maintains possession for 8+ consecutive passes in game situations

Consistently selects appropriate pass type for game context

Demonstrates understanding of when to attack vs when to maintain possession

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise quick decision-making in pass selection based on game situations
Focus on movement after passing to create continuous possession opportunities
Stress the importance of communication in maintaining team possession
Highlight how proper technique leads to more successful tactical outcomes
Connect individual skills to team success and game understanding
Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in competitive situations
Demonstrate how possession relates to scoring opportunities and winning games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that holding the ball longer creates better opportunities (actually reduces options)
Believing that harder passes are always better (accuracy and timing are more important)
Assuming that the same pass type works in all situations (need to read the game)
Thinking that individual brilliance is more important than team possession
Believing that possession is only about passing (movement and communication equally important)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks, give specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structures, use visual schedules for lesson sections, offer quiet zones when needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured netballs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court areas, assign sighted partners for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game starts/stops, demonstrate all instructions clearly, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify court sizes, allow seated play variations, use larger/softer balls, adjust shooting heights

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for pass accuracy, calculating game scores and statistics

Science

Understanding forces in different pass types, trajectory and angle for bounce passes, body systems during exercise

Geography

Court directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding positional areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, leadership and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between playing areas to observe all students, position for maximum court visibility during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for technical accuracy, tactical understanding, teamwork quality, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with technique, safety concerns arise, or competitive play becomes too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve student demonstrations for peer learning, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Quick release!'
•'Find space!'
•'Communicate!'
•'Which pass would work best here?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court (30m x 15m) or equivalent hall space with 2m safety boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water, debris, or equipment hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Netball posts secured and at correct height (2.75m for Year 6)
•Netballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Court markers/cones with rounded edges, positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during competitive play
•Falls during dynamic movement
•Impact injuries from netballs
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced
•Appropriate spacing during all activities
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor competitive intensity levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure student officials understand safety responsibilities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety concerns, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed