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Big Question

How can mastering footwork rules give us tactical advantages in netball games?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accurate shooting technique with consistent form and timing
  • To master landing foot rules and pivoting skills for effective ball movement
  • To demonstrate tactical awareness through positioning and decision-making in game situations

Key Outcomes

  • Students will shoot with correct technique showing balance, follow-through and timing
  • Students will consistently apply footwork rules including landing foot identification and pivoting
  • Students will make tactical decisions about when and where to pass, move and defend

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball
15 (1 between 2)

Pre-inflate to correct pressure, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 basketballs, rubber playground balls

Posts
2-4 posts

Ensure posts are secure and at correct height (3.05m)

Alternative: Basketball hoops, targets on wall, imaginary goals

Mats
30

Place in various formations for different activities

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks, tape markers

Bibs
15 (2 different colours)

One colour per team for game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, arm bands, different coloured tops

Digital Cameras
1

For filming assessment evidence and peer feedback

Alternative: Smartphone, video camera

Key Vocabulary

Landing foot

The first foot to touch the ground when catching the ball, which cannot be moved until the ball is released

Pivot

Rotating on the ball of the landing foot to change direction while keeping that foot stationary

Stepping

The violation that occurs when a player moves or lifts their landing foot before releasing the ball

Shooting technique

The specific method of releasing the ball towards the goal with proper stance, grip and follow-through

Tactical awareness

Understanding of when and where to move, pass or defend based on game situations

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic catching and throwing techniques
  • Understanding of chest pass mechanics
  • Basic awareness of netball court positions
  • Experience with simple team games

Current Skills

  • Landing foot identification and rules application
  • Pivoting technique for ball protection and passing options
  • Shooting technique with proper stance and follow-through
  • Tactical awareness in small-sided games

Next Steps

  • Advanced shooting under defensive pressure
  • Complex footwork combinations in game situations
  • Team tactical strategies and formations
  • Leadership roles in competitive matches

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistently applies footwork rules without verbal reminders
2
Demonstrates smooth pivoting motion with ball control
3
Shows 60%+ shooting accuracy from close range
4
Makes tactical decisions that benefit team play

Key Teaching Points

  • Landing foot must be clearly identified and stationary until ball is released
  • Pivoting motion should be smooth and controlled on ball of foot
  • Shooting technique requires shoulder-width stance and fingertip control
  • Tactical awareness involves reading the game and making smart decisions
  • Three-second possession rule must be strictly enforced in all activities
  • Eye contact and clear hand signals improve passing accuracy and safety
  • Peer assessment develops understanding and communication skills

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking you can move your landing foot if you pivot - clarify that landing foot stays stationary
  • Believing stepping only applies when jumping - explain it applies to all catches
  • Assuming tactical awareness is just about individual skills - emphasise team decision-making
  • Thinking shooting is all about arm strength - stress importance of leg drive and technique
  • Believing faster passing is always better - teach accuracy and timing over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls for easier catching, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations throughout
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, clear verbal cues for all actions
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for rules, written instruction cards, vibrating whistle for activity changes
physical disability
  • Seated passing variations, modified pivoting using wheelchair or chair, adapted shooting heights, alternative throwing techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances for passing accuracy, angles of movement during pivoting, timing activities in seconds

Science

Forces involved in pivoting motion, balance and centre of gravity, biomechanics of jumping and landing, muscle groups used in shooting

Geography

Understanding spatial relationships on court, directional movement, mapping tactical positioning and movement patterns

PSHE

Building resilience through skill development, leadership during peer assessment, respect for rules and officials, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups during carousel, central position during whole-class teaching segments

Observation Focus

Watch for correct landing foot identification, smooth pivoting technique, tactical decision-making in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety issues, support students struggling with footwork concepts, correct rule violations promptly

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for footwork demonstrations, clearly point to landing foot, show both correct technique and common errors for contrast

Verbal Cues
  • 'Landing foot first, then pivot!'
  • 'Make eye contact before passing!'
  • 'Three seconds maximum with the ball!'
  • 'Show me your target hands!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court (30.5m x 15.25m) or equivalent gymnasium space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from water, debris or equipment hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check netballs are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure netball posts are secure and at correct height
  • Floor spots positioned to avoid trip hazards
  • Camera/filming equipment safely positioned away from activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during pivoting activities
  • Falls when landing on one foot
  • Ball impacts during passing activities
  • Overbalancing during shooting attempts
Risk Mitigation
  • Adequate spacing between students during all activities
  • Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic
  • Clear rules about controlled movements and safe technique
  • Proper warm-up to prepare muscles for landing and pivoting

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for clear sightlines of all activity areas during carousel
  • Monitor footwork technique to prevent injury from poor landing
  • Watch for fatigue that might lead to poor decision-making
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school emergency procedures if required