Lesson 3 - Defensive Skills & Marking
Tactics & Leadership
•Year 6
•Netball
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How can we work as a team to regain possession and defend effectively in netball?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate understanding that defending starts immediately when possession is lost
- To apply effective marking techniques in various game situations
- To understand and apply the rules governing defending in netball
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective marking of players with and without the ball
- Students will successfully transition from attack to defence when possession changes
- Students will apply pressure to force attackers into errors and regain possession
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeters
Alternative: Size 4 balls for easier handling
Positioned at regulation height where possible
Alternative: Hoops, targets, or wall markings
Pre-sorted into team sets
Alternative: Different coloured bands or markers
Mark court boundaries and thirds clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, masking tape
For student officials and teacher
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving or passing the ball effectively
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
Making it difficult for attackers by closing down space and time
Gaining possession by catching or deflecting an opponent's pass
Netball rule where a player must release the ball within 4 seconds of receiving it
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passing techniques
- Understanding of ball possession
- Basic court awareness and movement
- Introduction to defensive positioning
Current Skills
- Man-to-man marking techniques
- Applying defensive pressure effectively
- Quick transition from attack to defence
- Team defending strategies
Next Steps
- Advanced intercepting techniques
- Zone defending strategies
- Complex game tactics and positioning
- Leadership in defensive organisation
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Defending begins immediately when possession is lost - no delay
- Maintain 0.9 metre distance when marking player with ball
- Apply increasing pressure using 4-second count rhythm
- Mark with side-on stance for better mobility and reaction
- Communication between defenders is essential for team success
- Quick transition from attacking to defensive mindset
- Every attacker should be marked when team is defending
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they only defend when the teacher tells them - correct by emphasising automatic transition
- Believing closer marking is always better - teach legal distance requirements
- Thinking defending is only about getting the ball back - explain prevention and pressure aspects
- Assuming all defenders should mark the player with the ball - teach individual marking responsibilities
- Misconception that marking means physical contact - emphasise legal, positioned defending
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear, simple instructions, use movement and variety to maintain engagement
dyspraxia
- Slower progression through skills, additional demonstrations, partner support for complex movements, extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet area available if needed for regulation
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for activities
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking
physical disability
- Modify marking to seated or supported position, adapt rules for wheelchair users, ensure equal participation opportunities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills through coaching and officiating, following and giving instructions clearly
Maths
Measuring 0.9 metre distances, counting to 4 seconds, calculating team scores and pass completion rates
Science
Understanding forces in defensive pressure, reaction times in transition, physics of ball trajectory and interception
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, resilience when defending under pressure, respect for rules and officials
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter for best visibility, position to see all groups during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct marking distance, transition from attack to defence, application of pressure techniques
Intervention Points
Step in if students too close/making contact, if rules not being followed, if students struggling with concepts
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers for demonstrations, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Mark immediately when we lose possession!'
- •'0.9 metres - arms ready!'
- •'Count the pressure - 1-netball, 2-netball!'
- •'Switch your mindset - we're defenders now!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court or 30m x 15m area minimum, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate grip for movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Netballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Netball posts secure and safe height
- •Cones and markers have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during marking activities
- •Falls during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes during passes and attempts
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Emphasis on legal marking distance (0.9m) to prevent contact
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Clear rules about appropriate physical contact
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor marking distance and contact levels closely
- •Be alert during transition periods between activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure other students are safe