Lesson 5 - Passing Styles in Netball
Tactics & Leadership
•Year 6
•Netball
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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
Stored in bag at side of court for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands
Standard height 3.05m, or adjustable for differentiation
Alternative: Basketball hoops or target zones marked on wall
One colour per team, clearly distinguishable
Alternative: Coloured bands or team cloths
Mark court boundaries and zones clearly
Alternative: Spot markers or chalk lines
One for teacher, others for student umpires
Alternative: Hand signals for quiet games
Key Vocabulary
A one-handed pass thrown from shoulder height, used for longer distances and to avoid defenders
A pass that bounces once before reaching the receiver, useful for passing under defenders' arms
A two-handed pass from chest level, the most accurate pass for shorter distances
Having control of the ball and the opportunity to attack
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
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