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Lesson 2 - Netball Skills & Officiating

Tactics & Leadership

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

How can we use our netball skills to play fairly and effectively whilst also understanding the rules as officials?

Learning Objectives

Consolidate understanding of netball rules and apply knowledge in mini games
Use prior learning of passing and moving to create attacking opportunities
Develop officiating skills and fair play understanding

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate refined passing and shooting techniques in game situations
Students will successfully officiate games using correct netball rules
Students will show tactical understanding through effective attacking and defending

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Balls distributed around court perimeter, check correct inflation

Alternative: Size 4 balls for students with smaller hands

Posts

4 posts (2 courts)

Ensure posts are secure and rings are at regulation height (3.05m)

Alternative: Basketball hoops at lower height if netball posts unavailable

Cones

20 cones

Mark court boundaries, endzones, and team areas

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Bibs

30 bibs (6 different colours)

5 colours for positions plus officials' bibs

Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts

Whistles

6 whistles

One whistle per officiating team

Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable

Clipboards

3 clipboards

For officials to track scores and rule infractions

Alternative: Whiteboards or paper sheets

Key Vocabulary

Footwork rule

The rule that governs how players can move when in possession of the ball

Endzone

A designated scoring area at each end of the court where teams must pass to score

Officiating

Acting as an umpire or referee to ensure fair play and rule compliance

Shoulder pass

A one-handed pass thrown from shoulder height for distance and accuracy

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and how to apply different strategies in game situations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic chest pass and bounce pass techniques
Understanding of basic netball court positions
Simple attacking and defending concepts
Basic footwork rules

Current Skills

Consolidating all passing techniques in game situations
Advanced tactical understanding of attack and defence
Officiating skills and rule application
Fluid transition between attack and defence

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play with set plays
Leadership and coaching roles
Tournament organisation and management
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing under pressure

Correct rule application as an official

Tactical decision-making in game situations

Leadership demonstrated through coaching others

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise variety in passing - right pass for the right situation
Officiating builds understanding - give students real responsibility
Movement into space is key - don't wait for others to create opportunities
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development
Tactical awareness develops through game experience and reflection
Everyone can contribute - as player, official, or coach
Safety first - teach proper technique to prevent injuries

Common Misconceptions

Only chest passes are needed in netball - teach variety and when to use each
Officiating is just about calling fouls - emphasise game flow and fairness
Netball positions are restrictive - show how they create tactical opportunities
Contact is allowed in netball - reinforce non-contact nature of the sport
Shooting is just about strength - teach proper technique and consistency
Officials are against the players - explain their role in ensuring fair play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity intervals, clear role definitions, regular position changes, fidget tools available during instruction

dyspraxia

Slower skill progression, larger equipment, simplified rules initially, extra practice time, visual demonstration cards

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, designated quiet area for breaks, consistent routines for each activity

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning, audio signals for rule calls

hearing impairment

Visual signals for rule calls, clear hand gestures for communication, written rule cards available

physical disability

Modified court size, seated positions allowed, lighter balls, adapted shooting height, wheelchair accessible court areas

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating tournament scores, measuring court dimensions, angles for passing and shooting, statistics on successful passes

Science

Understanding forces in passing and shooting, gravity effects on ball trajectory, muscle groups used in netball movements

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, reading court layouts, understanding directions for tactical play

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership through officiating, managing emotions during competition, respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all activities, position near less confident officials for support

Observation Focus

Watch for skill progression, fair play, and correct rule application by officials

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, major rule disputes, or when students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all passes slowly first, then at game speed. Show officiating signals clearly with confident body language

Verbal Cues

•'Step and pass!'
•'Move to space!'
•'Officials, make your signals clear!'
•'Teamwork - talk to each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two netball courts minimum (30m x 15m each) with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from debris, adequate drainage if outdoor

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are secure and stable
•Ensure balls are correctly inflated
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced play
•Falls from jumping for balls or shooting
•Contact injuries from defensive play
•Finger injuries from poor catching technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and player positioning
•Emphasis on non-contact play
•Proper catching and passing technique taught
•Graduated progression from simple to complex activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of both courts
•Monitor officiating students for safety decisions
•Watch for fatigue during tournament play

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required