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Lesson 4 - Shoulder Pass and Creating Space

Technical Mastery Tactics

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around activity areas, some spare balls available

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, tennis balls for skill development

Coloured Bibs

15 (mixed colours)

Different colours for team identification and defending activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Sun Markers

Mark corners of squares and standing positions

Alternative: Chalk marks, tape marks

Cones

Create 15m x 15m squares and court boundaries

Alternative: Plastic bottles, chalk lines

Posts

2-4 if available

Set at regulation height, ensure safe surrounding area

Alternative: Imaginary targets, wall targets

Stopwatch

For timing activities and rotations

Alternative: Phone timer, countdown app

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder Pass

A netball pass thrown from shoulder height using one hand with fingers spread behind the ball

Dodging

Quick change of direction to lose a defender and create space

Weight Transfer

Shifting body weight from one foot to another to change direction quickly

Space Creation

Moving to areas of the court where you can receive the ball without pressure

Attacking Principles

Strategies used to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities

Non-verbal Communication

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

Consistent shoulder pass accuracy over 5 metres

Successful dodging in 1v1 situations

Effective communication leading to successful attacks

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