Lesson 2 - Netball Skills & Officiating
Tactics & Leadership
•Year 6
•Netball
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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
Balls distributed around court perimeter, check correct inflation
Alternative: Size 4 balls for students with smaller hands
Ensure posts are secure and rings are at regulation height (3.05m)
Alternative: Basketball hoops at lower height if netball posts unavailable
Mark court boundaries, endzones, and team areas
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
5 colours for positions plus officials' bibs
Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts
One whistle per officiating team
Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable
For officials to track scores and rule infractions
Alternative: Whiteboards or paper sheets
Key Vocabulary
The rule that governs how players can move when in possession of the ball
A designated scoring area at each end of the court where teams must pass to score
Acting as an umpire or referee to ensure fair play and rule compliance
A one-handed pass thrown from shoulder height for distance and accuracy
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
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