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Lesson 6 - Tactical Netball Match Play

Technical Mastery Tactics

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Year 6

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Netball

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Big Question

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

Netball

6-8 balls

Keep spare balls around court perimeter for quick retrieval

Alternative: Size 4 basketballs if netballs unavailable

Posts

2 posts per court

Check posts are secure and at regulation height (3.05m)

Alternative: Basketball hoops at appropriate height

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

Place in corners for assessment activity

Alternative: Different coloured markers or spots

Team bibs

10 sets (GS, GA, C, GD, GK)

Ensure clear visibility of position labels

Alternative: Coloured bands or written labels

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

For timing centre passes and student officials

Alternative: Phone timers

Score Sheets

1 per team

Simple format for student scorekeepers

Alternative: Whiteboard and markers

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

The ability to make good decisions about positioning, passing and movement based on game situations

Centre pass

The method of starting play from the centre circle, taken alternately by each team

Infringement

A rule violation that results in a penalty or restart of play

Obstruction

Illegally defending by being too close (less than 1m) to the player with the ball

School games values

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

Can make tactical decisions quickly under pressure

Demonstrates consistent fair play as player and official

Shows leadership qualities during competitive situations

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