Lesson 4 - Shoulder Pass and Creating Space
Technical Mastery Tactics
•Year 6
•Netball
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How can we use shoulder passes and space creation to dominate attacking play in netball?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate and powerful shoulder passing technique
- Master dodging skills to create space and lose defenders
- Apply attacking principles in game situations with effective communication
Key Outcomes
- Students will execute shoulder passes with accuracy and appropriate force
- Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques to create space
- Students will apply attacking principles and non-verbal communication in game scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas, some spare balls available
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, tennis balls for skill development
Different colours for team identification and defending activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Mark corners of squares and standing positions
Alternative: Chalk marks, tape marks
Create 15m x 15m squares and court boundaries
Alternative: Plastic bottles, chalk lines
Set at regulation height, ensure safe surrounding area
Alternative: Imaginary targets, wall targets
For timing activities and rotations
Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app
Key Vocabulary
A netball pass thrown from shoulder height using one hand with fingers spread behind the ball
Quick change of direction to lose a defender and create space
Shifting body weight from one foot to another to change direction quickly
Moving to areas of the court where you can receive the ball without pressure
Strategies used to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities
Using body language, eye contact, and gestures to communicate with teammates
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of netball court positions
- Simple passing techniques
Current Skills
- Shoulder passing with accuracy and power
- Dodging and weight transfer techniques
- Space creation and attacking principles
Next Steps
- Advanced passing under pressure
- Complex attacking patterns
- Defensive strategies and interceptions
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shoulder pass technique with fingers spread and full follow-through
- Weight transfer for effective dodging - step one way, go the other
- Eye contact and communication before all passes
- Creating space through movement after passing
- Defensive positioning to see ball and opponent
- Applying 3-second rule and footwork in game situations
- Linking multiple skills together in flowing sequences
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power is more important than accuracy in passing - emphasise technique first
- Believing dodging is just running fast - stress the importance of deception and weight transfer
- Assuming good players don't need to communicate - highlight communication as essential
- Thinking defence is just about staying close - teach positioning and anticipation
- Believing individual skills are enough - emphasise linking skills and teamwork
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, designated quiet space available, consistent timing
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide detailed verbal descriptions of movements, use buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, use hand signals for instructions, written station cards with pictures
physical disability
- Adapted passing from seated position, modified dodging using upper body only, shortened distances as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of passing, measuring distances for court setup, timing activities and calculating success rates
Science
Forces in ball projection, body mechanics during dodging, acceleration and deceleration principles
Geography
Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding of court positions and boundaries
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, building resilience through challenge, managing competition and emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during carousel to maximise observation and feedback opportunities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct shoulder pass technique, effective dodging, and positive communication
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or students become frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique, demonstrate both correct and incorrect examples for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Fingers spread behind the ball!'
- •'Step and push off!'
- •'Find your space!'
- •'Eyes up, make contact!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor court space minimum 30m x 20m for multiple activities
Surface Check
Clean, dry, even surface free from obstacles and suitable for running and stopping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check netballs are properly inflated and free from damage
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify netball posts are stable and at correct height
- •Check bibs are clean and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during dodging activities
- •Ball strikes during passing practice
- •Falls during quick direction changes
- •Overexertion during game activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Controlled ball movement with clear passing protocols
- •Regular water breaks and intensity monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during carousel
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game application
- •Stay mobile to provide immediate feedback and intervention
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed