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Lesson 5 - Passing Styles 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 different passing techniques to create successful attacking opportunities in netball?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and apply a variety of passing styles in game situations
To demonstrate when and why different passing styles are effective
To combine passing and moving skills to create shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will execute accurate shoulder passes, bounce passes, and chest passes
Students will select appropriate passes based on game situations
Students will work collaboratively to maintain possession and create attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15)

Stored in bag at side of court for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands

Posts

3 sets

Standard height 3.05m, or adjustable for differentiation

Alternative: Basketball hoops or target zones marked on wall

Coloured Bibs

30 (2 sets of different colours)

One colour per team, clearly distinguishable

Alternative: Coloured bands or team cloths

Cones

Mark court boundaries and zones clearly

Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines

Whistles

3-4

One for teacher, others for student umpires

Alternative: Hand signals for quiet games

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder Pass

A one-handed pass thrown from shoulder height, used for longer distances and to avoid defenders

Bounce Pass

A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver, useful for passing under defenders' arms

Chest Pass

A two-handed pass from chest level, the most accurate pass for shorter distances

Possession

Having control of the ball and the opportunity to attack

Transition

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 chest pass and catch technique
Understanding of netball court positions
Simple passing and moving patterns
Basic shooting technique

Current Skills

Shoulder pass technique and application
Bounce pass technique and timing
Tactical passing decisions
Game situation awareness

Next Steps

Advanced netball tactics and strategies
Positional play specialisation
Tournament play and officiating
Leadership in games situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in all three passing styles

Quick decision-making under pressure

Effective communication during games

Understanding of tactical advantages

Key Teaching Points

Step into all passes for power and accuracy
Select pass type based on situation - distance, defenders, urgency
Communication is essential for effective team passing
Move to create space both as passer and receiver
Maintain possession through patient, accurate passing
Quick decision-making improves under practice and pressure
Teamwork creates better shooting opportunities than individual play

Common Misconceptions

Thinking one pass type works in all situations - teach situational awareness
Believing power is more important than accuracy - emphasise control first
Assuming defenders can't learn passing patterns - teach variation
Thinking only Goal Shooter needs to be accurate - everyone needs passing skills
Believing netball is just about individual skills - emphasise team dynamics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, reduce complexity of movements, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for instructions, demonstrate all techniques clearly, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified equipment sizes, adapted distances and rules

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for different pass types, calculating shooting percentages

Science

Forces and motion in different passing techniques, reaction times in catching, body systems during exercise

Geography

Court dimensions and spatial awareness, directions and positioning in games

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when making mistakes, respecting rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at court edge with view of all activities, move between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Monitor passing accuracy, tactical decision-making, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when safety risks arise or when students need technical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in showing examples

Verbal Cues

•'Step into your pass for power!'
•'Eyes on your target!'
•'Quick release under pressure!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court (30m x 15m) or equivalent space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netballs are properly inflated and have no damage
•Ensure netball posts are stable and correctly positioned
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts from poor catching or throwing
•Collisions during game play
•Falls from quick changes of direction
•Finger injuries from catching attempts

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear court boundaries and safety zones
•Teach proper catching technique with hands forming W-shape
•Ensure adequate spacing between activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Monitor defensive pressure to prevent overaggressive contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activities
•Move between groups during practices
•Monitor game intensity and intervene if necessary

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed