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Big Question

Can you send and receive a netball in different ways?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accurate bounce pass and chest pass techniques
  • To understand the principles of moving into space when attacking
  • To apply passing skills in game situations with tactical awareness

Key Outcomes

  • Students will perform bounce passes and chest passes with correct technique
  • Students will demonstrate effective movement off the ball to receive passes
  • Students will show understanding of attacking and defending tactics in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball
1 per 2 students (minimum 15)

Pre-inflated and distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Size 4 netballs for smaller hands, or rubber playground balls

Bibs
15-20 in 2-3 different colours

Available at equipment station for game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Cones
20-30

Used to mark activity zones and boundaries

Alternative: Dome markers, chalk marks (outdoor)

Tag rugby tails or ribbon strips
10 (1 per 3 students)

Available for warm-up activity

Alternative: Strips of fabric tucked into waistbands

Soft Dodgeballs
3 (1 per game zone)

For game application to ensure safety

Alternative: Gator skin balls, softer lightweight balls

Sun Markers
1 set

For demonstrating formations and tactics

Alternative: Large paper and pens, tablet for diagrams

Tablets
1

For recording game application for review

Alternative: Phone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball bounces on the ground approximately two-thirds of the way to the receiver

Chest pass

A direct pass from chest height that travels in a straight line to the receiver's chest

W-shape

Hand position where thumbs and forefingers form a 'W' behind the ball for control

Follow-through

The continuation of arm movement after releasing the ball, pointing towards the target

Stealth

Moving quietly and deceptively to avoid alerting defenders to your position

Space

An area on the court that is free from other players, where attackers can receive the ball safely

Signalling

Using hand gestures to communicate where you want to receive the ball

Attacking

Offensive play when your team has possession, aiming to advance the ball and score

Defending

Preventing the opposition from advancing the ball or scoring by intercepting or blocking

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic hand-eye coordination from primary PE
  • Understanding of simple throwing and catching techniques
  • Experience of working cooperatively in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

  • Bounce pass technique with correct hand positioning and follow-through
  • Chest pass technique with power and accuracy
  • Moving into space and signalling for the ball
  • Understanding tactical concepts of attacking and defending

Next Steps

  • Introduction to shoulder pass and overhead pass
  • Positional play and court awareness in netball
  • Advanced footwork and pivoting techniques
  • Game strategies and team tactics

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent W-hand shape formation when holding the ball
2
Ball bouncing 2/3 of the way to partner during bounce passes
3
Smooth follow-through with arms extended towards target
4
Effective communication and movement off the ball

Key Teaching Points

  • W-hand shape (thumbs and fingers spread behind ball) is fundamental for all netball passes - reinforce this constantly as the foundation of good technique
  • Follow-through is essential for accuracy and power - arms should finish fully extended pointing towards target, not stopping early
  • Bounce passes should bounce approximately two-thirds of the way to partner, creating optimal rising trajectory into receiver's hands at waist height
  • Receiving requires soft, cushioning hands that 'give' with the ball rather than rigid, snatching hands that cause fumbles
  • Movement off the ball is as important as the pass itself - attackers must dart into space immediately after passing, not stand and watch
  • Non-verbal communication through hand signals (targets) and eye contact is more tactically effective than shouting which alerts defenders
  • Quality of technique must be maintained even when complexity, time pressure, or game situations are introduced - don't sacrifice form for speed

Common Misconceptions

  • Misconception: 'Bounce passes should bounce right at the halfway point between partners.' Correction: Actually, bounce passes need to bounce about two-thirds of the way to create the right upward trajectory into the receiver's hands. Demonstrate the difference between halfway bounce (too steep, too high) and 2/3 bounce (perfect height).
  • Misconception: 'You catch with your palms.' Correction: You receive with your fingers spread wide and thumbs behind the ball (similar to W-shape), cushioning the ball into your body. Palms alone lead to fumbles.
  • Misconception: 'The harder you throw, the better the pass.' Correction: Controlled power with accurate direction is far more effective than maximum force. Demonstrate how excessive power leads to drops and inaccuracy.
  • Misconception: 'Chest pass and bounce pass start from different positions.' Correction: Both passes start from the same position (ball at chest, W-hands, elbows wide) - the difference is the direction of release (straight vs. downward angle).
  • Misconception: 'When you pass the ball, you can just stand and wait.' Correction: In netball, you must move immediately after passing to create new passing options and maintain attacking flow. Static attackers are easy to defend.
  • Misconception: 'You should always use the same type of pass.' Correction: Different game situations require different passes. Bounce passes are effective when defenders' hands are high; chest passes are faster for longer distances. Players need to read the situation and select appropriately.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Keep activity transitions short and frequent - variety maintains engagement. Provide very clear, short instructions (chunk information into 1-2 steps at a time). Use physical activity to channel energy positively - ADHD students often excel in PE. Offer leadership roles (demonstrating, collecting equipment) to harness enthusiasm. Use visual and auditory cues together. Provide immediate, specific feedback frequently. Allow movement breaks if needed. Position near teacher during instruction time for redirection if needed. Use countdowns and timers to structure activities clearly. Celebrate successes immediately and specifically. Seat in circle next to calm peer during reflection time.
dyspraxia
  • Use larger, softer balls that are easier to catch and control. Break down skills into smaller components and practice each separately before combining. Provide additional practice time and repetition. Reduce distance between partners initially. Use verbal cues or rhythm to help coordinate movements ('Step-push-follow'). Provide physical prompts if appropriate (guiding arm through correct movement pattern). Celebrate improvement and effort not just outcome. Pair with patient, supportive partner. Allow seated or stationary practice if coordination during movement too challenging. Use smaller group sizes for game application to reduce complexity and pressure. Provide reference cards with diagrams showing technique breakdown.
autism spectrum
  • Provide visual schedule showing lesson structure and timings (warm-up, skills, game, cool-down). Give advance warning of transitions: '2 minutes until we change activity.' Use consistent language and routine for starting/stopping activities. Provide clear, concrete instructions avoiding ambiguous language. Offer designated quiet zone if student becomes overwhelmed (with support staff supervision). Use visual success criteria cards rather than just verbal. Reduce sensory demands if needed (lower voice volume, smaller group size, less crowded space). Pair with consistent, supportive partner. Allow additional processing time for instructions. Provide specific, literal feedback: 'Your hands made a perfect W-shape' rather than 'great job.'
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured high-contrast netballs or balls with bells inside for auditory tracking. Provide verbal cues describing spatial setup: 'Your partner is 4 metres directly in front of you.' Use buddy system pairing with sighted partner who can provide guidance. Mark activity zones with textured markers (tactile cones). Ensure optimal lighting conditions. Reduce activity area size for closer proximity to partners. Provide additional physical demonstration allowing student to feel correct body positions.
hearing impairment
  • Ensure student can see your face clearly when giving instructions (face light source, maintain eye contact). Use clear visual demonstrations for all skills and activities. Provide written task cards with diagrams for reference during activity. Use visual signals for start/stop (hand signals, lights) rather than just whistle. Pair with supportive partner who can reinforce instructions through gesture. Check understanding through thumbs up/down or asking student to demonstrate. Position yourself close to student when providing individual feedback. Use exaggerated body language and facial expressions to convey enthusiasm.
physical disability
  • Adapt passing activities for seated wheelchair users - focus on upper body strength and technique from seated position. Reduce distance between partners (2-3 metres instead of 4-5). Allow use of lighter or larger balls if grip strength limited (foam balls, beach balls). Provide alternative roles in game application - could be referee, scorekeeper, tactical advisor. Adapt Dodge It game to allow wheelchair users to move into safe zones or be exempt from tagging. Ensure activity area is accessible with smooth surface and adequate space for wheelchair manoeuvring. Celebrate adapted techniques - there's no one 'correct' way.
low confidence in PE
  • Provide extensive practice time in low-pressure pair work before game application. Celebrate all attempts and improvements regardless of outcome. Use private, specific praise: 'Your follow-through has really improved!' Ensure success criteria includes achievable 'all students' level. Pair with supportive, encouraging partner. Avoid public highlighting unless student comfortable with it. Provide additional demonstrations and scaffolding. Never use elimination games or public comparisons. Frame mistakes as learning opportunities: 'That's okay, let's try again - learning happens through practice!' Build on small successes progressively. Create psychologically safe environment where risk-taking is encouraged.
social emotional mental health
  • Build positive relationships through consistent encouragement and recognition. Provide predictable structure and routine. Offer choice where possible (which partner, which pass type) to give sense of control. Set achievable goals and celebrate when met. Use calming language and tone. Avoid singling out for negative reasons - use private, calm redirections. Provide opportunities to excel and build confidence. Allow 'time out' space if emotions escalate (with supervision). Use restorative approaches if conflicts arise with peers. Pair with empathetic, supportive partners. Emphasise enjoyment and participation over competition. Recognise signs of frustration or anxiety and intervene early with support.

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following multi-step verbal instructions develops listening comprehension. Using subject-specific vocabulary (bounce pass, chest pass, stealth, signalling) expands vocabulary. Explaining tactics and techniques requires clear verbal expression. Peer assessment involves giving constructive feedback using appropriate language.

Maths

Counting passes during 'How Many Can You Do' challenge develops numeracy and data handling. Estimating and measuring distances (2/3 for bounce pass, 4-5 metres between partners) applies spatial reasoning and measurement concepts. Calculating scores and tracking progress involves basic arithmetic. Understanding angles of ball trajectory links to geometry.

Science

Understanding forces applied to the ball during passing (push force, friction with ground during bounce). Learning about ball rebound physics and energy transfer when ball bounces. Exploring how the body systems respond to exercise (heart rate increase, breathing rate, muscle fatigue). Discussing levers and biomechanics of arm movement during passing action.

Computing

Use of tablet/camera to record game application introduces digital media. Potential follow-up involving video analysis in classroom develops digital literacy. Understanding algorithms through following set sequences of movements (5-4-3-2-1 activity).

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping movements across the activity area relates to positional language (north/south/east/west, near/far, left/right). Understanding zones and boundaries links to map reading. Movement patterns create mental maps of space.

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation essential throughout lesson, particularly in paired activities and game application. Building resilience when facing challenges or making mistakes. Managing emotions in competitive situations. Communication skills through signalling and non-verbal cues. Respecting others and demonstrating good sportsmanship. Honesty during self-assessment and peer assessment. Leadership opportunities when demonstrating or coaching peers.

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position yourself at the perimeter of the activity area where you can see all students simultaneously. During pair work, use active circulation moving between pairs in a systematic pattern (e.g., figure-8 or zigzag) to provide individual feedback while maintaining overall awareness. During game application, position at a vantage point where all three zones are visible, using peripheral vision and head scanning to monitor all games.

Observation Focus

Prioritise observation of: 1) Safety - are all students moving safely within their space? 2) Technique - are W-hands, follow-through, and cushion catches being performed? 3) Engagement - are all students actively participating? 4) Understanding - are students applying tactical concepts? Use the 'scan, spot, stop' technique: SCAN whole class, SPOT individual errors or excellent practice, STOP to highlight or correct.

Intervention Points

Intervene immediately if: unsafe practice observed (collision risk, poor technique leading to injury, too much power), rules being broken (travelling with ball, unsafe tagging), student in distress or injured, students off-task or disengaged, activity breaking down (confusion about task). Use whole-class FREEZE command for safety issues or common errors affecting majority. Use individual/pair interventions for specific feedback. Use positive highlighting ('Everyone pause and watch this excellent example') to celebrate and share good practice.

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate new skills/activities before students attempt them. Use the 'whole-part-whole' method: 1) Demonstrate the complete skill at normal speed, 2) Break it down into component parts and demonstrate each slowly, 3) Demonstrate complete skill again. Use confident, competent student volunteers to assist with demonstrations - this validates their ability and provides peer modelling. For techniques, demonstrate from multiple angles so all students can see. Exaggerate key technique points (wide elbows, full follow-through) for visibility. When demonstrating activities, use narration ('Watch as I step and push...') to provide verbal reinforcement. Show common errors alongside correct technique for contrast.

Verbal Cues
  • 'W-hands!' - remind about hand shape on ball
  • 'Follow through - point at your partner!' - cue for complete follow-through
  • 'Cushion!' - remind receivers to absorb ball with soft hands
  • 'Two-thirds!' - cue for correct bounce distance
  • 'Straight across!' - cue for chest pass trajectory
  • 'Dart into space!' - encourage purposeful movement
  • 'Show your target!' - remind to signal with hands
  • 'Freeze! Eyes on me!' - stop activity for whole-class teaching point
  • '30 seconds left - keep that quality!' - time management cue
  • 'Soft, controlled, safe!' - general safety/quality reminder

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor sports hall or outdoor netball/tennis court area. Minimum 20m x 30m clear space for 30 students. Additional space around perimeter for safety buffer.

Surface Check

Indoor: Check sports hall floor is clean, dry, and free from moisture or debris. Outdoor: Ensure tarmac/concrete surface is even, dry, and free from stones, leaves, or hazards. No potholes or cracks that could cause trips.

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check all netballs are correctly inflated (not over or under-inflated) to prevent hand/wrist injuries
  • Inspect netballs for damage - no splits, holes, or excessive wear
  • Ensure cones/spots have no sharp edges or cracks that could cause cuts
  • Verify soft balls for game application are genuinely soft (foam, not hard rubber)
  • Check bibs/pinnies are clean and have no broken elastic or fastenings
  • Ensure tag rugby tails are long enough to grab safely but not trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions between students during movement activities (warm-up, pass-and-move, game application)
  • Finger/wrist injuries from poor catching technique or over-inflated balls
  • Trips and falls when moving backwards to receive passes
  • Ball strikes to face or head if passes are inaccurate or thrown too hard
  • Slips on smooth indoor surfaces during quick changes of direction
  • Muscle strains if warm-up inadequate or cool-down omitted
  • Overexertion in students with lower fitness levels during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Establish clear activity zones with adequate spacing (minimum 3-4m between pairs/groups)
  • Teach and reinforce correct receiving technique (cushion catch) to prevent finger injuries
  • Explicitly instruct students to move forwards or sideways when receiving, not backwards
  • Use soft foam balls (not netballs) for game application tagging activity
  • Enforce below-waist tagging rule strictly in Dodge It game
  • Monitor pass power - intervene if students throwing too hard
  • Conduct thorough warm-up including dynamic stretches and complete cool-down with static stretches
  • Allow water breaks as needed and monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
  • Position groups/pairs in staggered formation to prevent straight-line ball interference
  • Teach and enforce no-travel rule to prevent dangerous running with ball in game

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position yourself at edge of activity area with maximum visibility of all students
  • Actively circulate during practice activities to observe technique and provide feedback
  • During game application, position to observe all three zones - use perimeter movement
  • Maintain visual contact with all students continuously - use scanning technique
  • Be particularly vigilant during transitions between activities (highest collision risk)
  • Monitor high-energy students who may become overly competitive or physical
  • Watch for students showing fatigue, breathlessness, or distress - intervene immediately
  • Position near students with SEND or specific health needs as identified in planning
Emergency Procedures

In case of injury: STOP all activity immediately using whistle and 'FREEZE' command. Assess injured student - if minor (slight knock), provide comfort and first aid (cold compress, sit out). If more serious (suspected fracture, head injury, breathing difficulty), send reliable student to summon first aider/office immediately while you stay with injured student providing reassurance. Keep other students calm and seated away from incident. Complete accident report form after lesson. For medical emergencies (unconscious, severe bleeding, suspected serious injury): Summon emergency first aider immediately, call 999 if required, follow school emergency procedures.