Lesson 6 - Tactical Netball Match Play
Technical Mastery Tactics
•Year 6
•Netball
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How can we use tactical awareness and teamwork to play competitive netball while demonstrating school games values?
Learning Objectives
- Apply tactical decisions effectively in competitive netball matches
- Demonstrate understanding of netball rules and respond appropriately to infringements
- Display school games values consistently throughout competitive play
Key Outcomes
- Students will play competitive 5v5 netball matches using tactical awareness
- Students will officiate games fairly while applying netball rules consistently
- Students will demonstrate passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep spare balls around court perimeter for quick retrieval
Alternative: Size 4 basketballs if netballs unavailable
Check posts are secure and at regulation height (3.05m)
Alternative: Basketball hoops at appropriate height
Place in corners for assessment activity
Alternative: Different coloured markers or spots
Ensure clear visibility of position labels
Alternative: Coloured bands or written labels
For timing centre passes and student officials
Alternative: Phone timers
Simple format for student scorekeepers
Alternative: Whiteboard and markers
Key Vocabulary
The ability to make good decisions about positioning, passing and movement based on game situations
The method of starting play from the centre circle, taken alternately by each team
A rule violation that results in a penalty or restart of play
Illegally defending by being too close (less than 1m) to the player with the ball
Six core values: passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passing and shooting techniques
- Understanding of netball positions and court areas
- Experience in modified netball games
Current Skills
- Tactical awareness in competitive situations
- Advanced rule application and officiating
- Leadership and sportsmanship under pressure
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical systems and set plays
- Coaching and mentoring younger students
- Competitive netball in school and community clubs
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tactical awareness develops through experience - encourage decision-making under pressure
- School games values are as important as skill performance - model and recognise both consistently
- Student officials learn leadership and rule application - support their decision-making confidence
- Competitive pressure reveals character - use this to develop resilience and sportsmanship
- Team reflection between games builds tactical understanding - facilitate meaningful discussions
- Fair play and respect for opponents creates positive sporting culture - emphasise throughout
- Individual recognition should balance effort and achievement - celebrate diverse contributions
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking tactics only apply to advanced players - all students can make tactical decisions at their level
- Believing competition always creates negative behaviour - well-structured competition develops character
- Assuming only the best players should officiate - officiating skills develop through practice for all
- Focusing only on winning rather than playing well - process goals are more important than outcome goals
- Thinking school games values are separate from performance - values enhance sporting achievement
- Believing tactical awareness can't be taught - it develops through guided experience and reflection
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Provide regular position rotations, clear specific roles and responsibilities, use movement and activity to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Allow extra processing time for tactical decisions, provide simplified officiating checklists, offer additional practice with rule applications
autism spectrum
- Provide clear game structure and timing, offer quiet reflection spaces if needed, use visual timetable for lesson progression
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of tactical situations, assign sighted buddy for officiating support
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game starts and stops, provide written rule cards, ensure clear sight lines for demonstration viewing
physical disability
- Modify court size and positions as needed, allow seated play options, adapt officiating roles to suit capabilities
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Tactical discussions, rule explanations, peer communication, reflection and evaluation vocabulary
Maths
Scorekeeping, timing of games, calculating tournament results, statistical analysis of team performance
Science
Understanding of body systems during intense exercise, biomechanics of netball movements, reaction times and decision-making
PSHE
Leadership skills, teamwork under pressure, respect for others, honest self-assessment, resilience in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter to observe all matches and activities, position near goal areas during shooting phases
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical decision-making, rule compliance, sportsmanship, and student official accuracy
Intervention Points
Step in if officiating standards drop, dangerous play occurs, or school games values not demonstrated
Demonstration Notes
Use natural game breaks to highlight excellent tactical play, demonstrate rule applications clearly, model positive sportsmanship language
Verbal Cues
- •'Think tactics - where's the space?'
- •'Officials, watch for obstruction!'
- •'Show me those school games values!'
- •'Great tactical awareness there!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court minimum 30m x 15m, clear boundary areas, secure goal posts
Surface Check
Dry, even court surface free from debris, check for any wet or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Verify netball posts are secure and at correct height
- •Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure position bibs are clearly visible and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during competitive play
- •Contact around goal posts during shooting
- •Falls during quick direction changes
- •Fatigue leading to poor decision-making
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise 1-metre rule to prevent contact
- •Monitor intensity and provide rest periods
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
- •Student officials trained to spot dangerous play
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum court visibility during matches
- •Monitor competitive intensity for safety
- •Watch goal areas during shooting activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid and seek additional support if required