Ball Control & Strategy
•Year 7
•Netball
•Pre-inflated and distributed around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Size 4 netballs for smaller hands, or rubber playground balls
Available at equipment station for game activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes
Used to mark activity zones and boundaries
Alternative: Dome markers, chalk marks (outdoor)
Available for warm-up activity
Alternative: Strips of fabric tucked into waistbands
For game application to ensure safety
Alternative: Gator skin balls, softer lightweight balls
For demonstrating formations and tactics
Alternative: Large paper and pens, tablet for diagrams
For recording game application for review
Alternative: Phone with video capability
A pass where the ball bounces on the ground approximately two-thirds of the way to the receiver
A direct pass from chest height that travels in a straight line to the receiver's chest
Hand position where thumbs and forefingers form a 'W' behind the ball for control
The continuation of arm movement after releasing the ball, pointing towards the target
Moving quietly and deceptively to avoid alerting defenders to your position
An area on the court that is free from other players, where attackers can receive the ball safely
Using hand gestures to communicate where you want to receive the ball
Offensive play when your team has possession, aiming to advance the ball and score
Preventing the opposition from advancing the ball or scoring by intercepting or blocking
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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