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Big Question

How can effective positioning and teamwork help us succeed in netball match situations?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop rebounding skills and positioning from missed shots
  • To participate purposefully and effectively in netball match play
  • To demonstrate understanding of High 5 netball positions and court areas

Key Outcomes

  • Students will position themselves effectively to collect rebounds
  • Students will show purposeful participation in competitive netball games
  • Students will demonstrate knowledge of netball positions and movement rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball
1 per 5 students (6 balls)

Distribute around court perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, basketballs for practice

Posts
2-4 posts

Position posts at opposite ends of court area

Alternative: Basketball hoops, cones with imaginary targets

Coloured Bibs
2 sets of 15 (different colours)

Sort into team sets before lesson

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pinnies

Cones
20 cones

Mark court boundaries, circles, and shooting areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Stopwatch
1

For timing activities and game segments

Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app

Whistles
1

For clear game control and transitions

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Rebound

Collecting the ball after a missed shot at goal

High 5 Netball

Modified netball format with 5 players per team using specific positions

Purposeful participation

Playing with clear intention, making good decisions and supporting teammates

Centre pass

The pass that starts play from the centre circle

Obstruction

Defending too closely (less than 1m) or impeding a player's movement

Footwork rule

Rules governing how players can move with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic netball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
  • Understanding of netball court layout and basic rules
  • Experience with simple netball games and activities

Current Skills

  • Rebounding positioning and technique
  • Match play participation and decision making
  • Positional play in High 5 netball format

Next Steps

  • Advanced tactical play and team strategies
  • Leadership roles in competitive situations
  • Transition to full 7-a-side netball rules

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistently positions for rebounds before shots are taken
2
Makes purposeful decisions during match play
3
Demonstrates clear understanding of positional restrictions

Key Teaching Points

  • Rebounding requires positioning BEFORE the shot is taken, not after it misses
  • High 5 netball positions have specific court areas - enforce these consistently
  • Purposeful participation means making good decisions and supporting teammates
  • 4-second rule and 1-metre distance are non-negotiable safety and fairness rules
  • Match play is the culmination of skills practice - connect activities to game situations
  • Video footage provides valuable evidence for assessment and improvement
  • Positive peer recognition builds confidence and team cohesion

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking you can rebound from anywhere on court - only GA and GK can enter goal circles
  • Waiting until ball misses before moving for rebound - positioning should be proactive
  • Believing all positions can go anywhere on court - each position has restricted areas
  • Assuming purposeful participation just means trying hard - it includes decision making and support
  • Thinking defensive players can stand right next to the ball carrier - 1 metre minimum distance required
  • Believing faster always means better - control and accuracy are equally important
  • Assuming the Centre can stay in centre third - Centre can go anywhere except goal circles

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
  • Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified rules initially, extra practice time for positioning, visual aids for court areas
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual routines displayed, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, predictable structure with advance warning of changes, social stories for teamwork
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court positions, buddy system for guidance, tactile court boundary markers
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual signals for game start/stop, demonstrate all instructions physically, written position cards, visual rule charts displayed
physical disability
  • Seated netball modifications, shorter posts or targets, lighter balls, modified court areas, wheelchair-accessible positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes and catches, measuring court distances, calculating scores and statistics, angles for shooting and passing

Science

Forces involved in ball trajectory, understanding gravity in rebounds, body systems during exercise, physics of ball bouncing

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, court mapping and area recognition, directional movement and navigation

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, managing competition emotions, celebrating others' achievements, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter for optimal view of all activities, position near goal areas during shooting practice

Observation Focus

Watch for positioning awareness, purposeful decision making, adherence to court restrictions and rules

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, provide technique guidance during skill practice, manage game flow with clear officiating

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for position demonstrations, clearly show court area boundaries, demonstrate rebounding anticipation visibly

Verbal Cues
  • 'Position for the rebound before the shot!'
  • 'Quick passes - you have 4 seconds!'
  • 'Remember your court areas!'
  • 'One metre distance from the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m court area, clear of obstacles with defined boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, proper netball court markings if available

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure netball posts are stable and goal rings secure
  • Verify bibs have no torn edges or loose fastenings
  • Confirm cones are visible and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during fast-paced game play
  • Falls when reaching for high balls or rebounds
  • Contact around goal posts during shooting
  • Ball strikes from close-range passes
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear court boundaries established and maintained
  • Adequate spacing between games if multiple courts used
  • Progressive skill building before full match play
  • Strict adherence to 1-metre defensive distance rule
  • Safe rebounding techniques taught and reinforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
  • Monitor high-activity areas around goal posts closely
  • Enforce safety rules consistently throughout lesson
  • Immediate intervention for unsafe play or contact
Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed