Lesson 3 - Marking and Defensive Pressure
Tactical Awareness & Skills
•Year 8
•Netball
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How can effective marking transform a team's defensive performance?
Learning Objectives
- Understand who they should be marking including contact and obstruction rules
- Know how to mark effectively using shadowing and anticipation techniques
- Improve passing quality and accuracy under defensive pressure
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective marking techniques by maintaining close proximity to their opponent
- Students will apply contact and obstruction rules correctly during competitive play
- Students will execute accurate passes whilst being pressured by defenders
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation levels, distribute around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 netballs for smaller hands, foam balls for students with catching difficulties
Pre-sorted into teams before lesson, stored in accessible location
Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, or team sashes
Used for positioning, spacing, and game area boundaries
Alternative: Spots, poly spots, or chalk marks on outdoor courts
Check stability and height settings (3.05m for regulation)
Alternative: Portable netball posts, basketball hoops with modified height
Mark court boundaries, drill areas, and square zones for modified games
Alternative: Tall cones for visibility, different colours for different zones
Pre-printed with Head/Hands/Heart assessment framework, clipboards available
Alternative: Digital assessment on tablets, laminated sheets with dry-wipe markers
Attached to lanyard for teacher, spare available for student officials
Alternative: Air horn for outdoor use, voice commands for small groups
Used for timed activities and game segments
Alternative: Phone timer, visible countdown clock
Key Vocabulary
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball or making an effective play
Following an opponent's movements closely to restrict their space and options
When a player makes physical contact with an opponent that interferes with their play
Defending closer than 0.9 metres (3 feet) from the player with the ball
Awarded for minor infringements; opposition must stand out of play
Awarded for contact or obstruction in open play; taken where infringement occurred
Awarded for contact or obstruction in the goal circle; shooter may shoot or pass
Gaining possession of the ball by catching or deflecting an opponent's pass
When possession changes from one team to the other
Positioning yourself between your opponent and the goal you are defending
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic netball passes (chest, bounce, shoulder)
- Understanding of footwork rules
- Awareness of court positions and basic movement patterns
- Introduction to defensive positioning
Current Skills
- Effective player marking techniques
- Understanding and application of contact and obstruction rules
- Passing under defensive pressure
- Transitioning between marking player and marking ball
- Interception timing and technique
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive strategies and zone marking
- Creating and exploiting space in attack
- Complex game scenarios with multiple defenders
- Tournament play with officiating responsibilities
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- There are two distinct types of marking in netball: marking the player (when they don't have the ball) requires close proximity within arm's length, while marking the ball (when opponent has possession) requires exactly 1 metre distance with hands up to pressure
- Effective shadowing in marking involves staying goalside, watching opponent's hips not feet, maintaining athletic stance, and anticipating movement to prevent easy ball receipt
- Contact and obstruction are distinct violations: contact is physical interference with opponent, obstruction is defending closer than 0.9 metres when opponent has ball. Both result in penalty passes or penalty shots depending on location
- Passing quality under pressure improves through quick decision-making, variety of pass types, strong follow-through technique, and using teammates' movement to create passing lanes
- Defensive positioning should prioritise goalside positioning (between opponent and goal), maintain visual contact with both player and ball, and involve constant communication with defensive teammates
- Transition speed between marking player and marking ball must be automatic - defenders should step back to 1 metre instantly when opponent receives ball, then close distance immediately when ball is released
- Successful interceptions come from good positioning and anticipation rather than reaching or lunging which often causes contact violations. Read the pass trajectory and time movement to ball path.
Common Misconceptions
- MISCONCEPTION: 'You should always stay as close as possible to your opponent.' CORRECTION: Distance depends on whether opponent has ball or not. Close when marking player, exactly 1 metre when marking ball. Staying too close when they have the ball is obstruction.
- MISCONCEPTION: 'Contact is any time you touch another player.' CORRECTION: Incidental contact that doesn't affect play is acceptable. Contact violation is when physical touch interferes with opponent's movement or ability to play the ball.
- MISCONCEPTION: 'Good defending means always trying to intercept the pass.' CORRECTION: While interceptions are valuable, primary defensive role is preventing opponent receiving ball through tight marking. Attempting interceptions from poor position often leaves opponents unmarked.
- MISCONCEPTION: 'You can defend with your arms in any position as long as you're 1 metre away.' CORRECTION: While 1 metre distance is required, defender should have arms up to obstruct vision and create pressure. Arms down is passive defending that doesn't affect attacker's choices.
- MISCONCEPTION: 'If you're faster than your opponent you don't need to mark them tightly.' CORRECTION: Good attackers create space through movement not just speed. Even if you're faster, losing marking position by standing off allows them easy ball receipt. Speed helps you recover but doesn't replace tight marking.
- MISCONCEPTION: 'Bounce passes can't be intercepted so they're always the best choice under pressure.' CORRECTION: Every pass type can be intercepted. Bounce passes are slower than chest passes, giving defenders more time to react. Best pass depends on defender positioning and distance to teammate.
- MISCONCEPTION: 'Once the attacker catches the ball, there's nothing the defender can do except wait.' CORRECTION: Marking the ball with hands up, maintaining 1 metre distance, and pressuring creates hesitation and can force errors, rushed passes, or violations like held ball or stepping.
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Keep activities short with frequent changes preventing boredom and maintaining focus. Clear, simple instructions given one at a time. Use of student's name before giving instructions to gain attention. Active roles throughout - minimise waiting time. Provide immediate feedback and frequent praise for on-task behaviour. Allow brief movement breaks if needed. Use visual and physical demonstrations alongside verbal. Position near teacher for prompts and refocusing. Channel energy into active leadership roles like demonstrating or officiating.
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls initially for easier catching and control. Reduce complexity of movements - break down skills into smaller steps. Allow extra practice time for skill acquisition. Provide physical prompts or hand-over-hand guidance if appropriate. Reduce speed requirements initially - focus on technique over pace. Smaller playing areas reduce navigational demands. Written or pictorial reminders of technique points. Celebrate effort over outcome. Buddy support for spatial organisation. Use of visual markers for positioning and distance guidance.
general send
- Flexible grouping allowing student to work with supportive peers. Adult support deployed where available to provide individual encouragement and task breakdown. Differentiated success criteria focusing on individual progress not comparison to others. Alternative equipment available (different sized/weighted balls, adapted goals). Adapted rules allowing for individual needs without highlighting differences. Positive reinforcement and celebration of all achievements. Regular check-ins on understanding and confidence. Opportunities to demonstrate skills in preferred format. Inclusive language and culture throughout lesson.
autism spectrum
- Provide visual schedule of lesson structure at start - show sequence of activities. Consistent routine with predictable format reduces anxiety. Clear, concrete instructions avoiding abstract language. Quiet zone available if sensory overload occurs. Reduce unpredictability by explaining transitions in advance. Use timer to show how long activities will last. Minimise sudden loud noises where possible. Allow student to observe before participating if needed. Provide social scripts for appropriate responses during competitive play.
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs with high contrast. Provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations with step-by-step audio cues. Buddy system with sighted partner who describes positioning and movement. Use tactile markers for boundaries (textured cones or rope). Reduce court size to smaller area for easier navigation. Describe gameplay continuously so student can track ball location. Bell ball available if appropriate for netball activities.
hearing impairment
- Ensure student positioned where they can see teacher's face and lips clearly. Use visual demonstrations extensively with exaggerated movements. Hand signals for key instructions agreed in advance (stop, start, good, change). Written or pictorial instruction cards available. Buddy system where partner taps shoulder to indicate whistle blown. Visual timer for timed activities. Ensure student can see teacher before giving verbal instructions. Consider vibrating device for whistle signals if available.
physical disability
- Wheelchair netball adaptations - seated passing and movement rules applied. Lower goal height if shooting included. Reduce court size for less distance to cover. Provide lighter or larger balls for easier handling. Allow additional steps/pushes if mobility affected. Seated marking position acceptable with adapted distance rules. Peer support for physical setup of activities. Modified rules allowing ball placement on lap or wheelchair tray. Extended time for movements and passes.
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication and verbal skills when calling for passes and organising teammates. Listening skills when receiving instructions and feedback. Vocabulary development through key terminology. Peer assessment requires descriptive language and constructive feedback. Reflection involves articulating thoughts about performance.
Maths
Measuring distances (1 metre for obstruction rule), calculating angles of passing trajectories, counting consecutive passes in possession games, timing activities using seconds and minutes, spatial awareness and geometry of court positioning, statistics of successful passes vs interceptions
Science
Forces applied during passing - push force, trajectory physics. Friction between shoes and court surface affecting movement. Body systems during exercise - cardiovascular response to activity, respiratory rate changes, muscular system working. Energy transfer from player to ball. Lever systems in throwing actions.
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation throughout all team activities. Resilience when facing defensive pressure or when losing possession. Managing emotions during competitive gameplay. Fair play and sportsmanship when accepting officiating decisions. Communication skills through verbal cues and encouragement. Leadership opportunities in group organisation and peer coaching.
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Begin lesson at central position where all students can see and hear clearly. During warm-up Pacman activity, position at court edge or centre circle to observe all pairs simultaneously. During skills practice in groups of 3, circulate continuously between groups providing individual feedback. During 3v3 games, position on edge of multiple courts with sight lines to all games. During full gameplay, adopt referee position mobile around court following play. During cool-down and assessment, position centrally facing group.
Observation Focus
Watch for marking distance throughout lesson - is it appropriate for player vs ball situation? Monitor footwork for travelling violations. Check passing technique - proper follow-through, accuracy, variety. Observe defensive stance - athletic position with knees bent, on balls of feet. Look for goalside positioning in marking. Note communication levels between teammates. Watch for contact occurring and intervene before it escalates. Identify students struggling with concepts for additional support. Recognise excellent application for praise and modelling to others.
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if any unsafe play occurs - physical contact beyond incidental, dangerous play near posts, aggressive behaviour. Intervene if students consistently violating rules despite reminders - use as teaching opportunity. Stop activity if instructions not being followed by majority - clarify expectations. Pause games to highlight excellent practice for all to observe and learn from. Provide individual technical coaching during practice activities when errors are persistent. Separate students if conflict arises - address privately and calmly. Modify activities if too difficult or too easy for group - differentiate in real-time. Stop for water breaks if needed based on exertion levels and environmental conditions.
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with confident students who can model correctly. Show technique slowly first, then at game speed. Exaggerate key points for visibility - bent knees, arms extended for distance measurement, follow-through on passes. Use contrasting examples - show correct vs incorrect to highlight difference. When demonstrating marking distances, use arm as measuring tool to show 1 metre. For passing demonstrations, show variety of passes with clear technical points each time. Use freeze technique during gameplay to highlight positioning without lengthy stoppages. Demonstrate contact and obstruction violations clearly so students understand what to avoid. Show penalty procedures properly so students understand consequences and protocols.
Verbal Cues
- •'Stick with your player - don't let them shake you off!'
- •'Step back! That's too close - give them 1 metre when they have the ball!'
- •'Great transition! I saw you adjust your distance immediately!'
- •'Spread out - make the court big when you're attacking!'
- •'Call for the ball - let your teammates know you're free!'
- •'Goalside positioning - get between your player and the goal!'
- •'Quick release - don't hold the ball too long under pressure!'
- •'Hands up when marking the ball - pressure them into a mistake!'
- •'Well done defending - that was textbook marking!'
- •'Contact! Remember to give space and avoid touching your opponent!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full netball court (30.5m x 15.25m) ideal, or half court minimum (15.25m x 15.25m). Indoor sports hall with appropriate court markings. Minimum 2 metre clear space around court boundaries to prevent collisions with walls or equipment. Multiple playing areas if running simultaneous small-sided games - minimum 2 metre separation between game zones.
Surface Check
Indoor sprung wooden floor or appropriate sports hall surface checked before lesson. Surface must be clean, dry, and free from dust, water, or debris. No loose equipment on court. Lines clearly visible and not worn away. Check for any damage, splinters, or raised areas that could cause trips. Outdoor courts must be dry with no standing water, ice, or leaves.
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All netballs checked for correct inflation - not over or under-inflated to prevent hand injuries
- •Netball posts checked for stability - base secure, post vertical, net attached properly without tears
- •Cones inspected for cracks or sharp edges that could cause cuts
- •Bibs checked for any tears or defects, appropriate sizes available
- •Throw-down markers secure and flat to prevent trips
- •Whistle functioning properly and hygienic (teacher's personal whistle)
- •Assessment sheets and clipboards have no sharp edges or staples protruding
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Player collisions during dynamic movement and marking activities
- •Contact violations leading to physical confrontation or injury
- •Ball strikes to face or body during passing activities
- •Slips, trips, and falls on court surface especially during direction changes
- •Collisions with netball posts during gameplay near goal areas
- •Ankle injuries from pivoting, landing, or direction changes
- •Overexertion or fatigue in competitive gameplay
- •Muscle strains from inadequate warm-up or cool-down
Risk Mitigation
- •Comprehensive warm-up including dynamic movement and sport-specific preparation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities with adequate spacing between groups
- •Progressive skill building - start simple, increase complexity gradually
- •Strict enforcement of contact and obstruction rules throughout lesson
- •Constant supervision with teacher positioned for maximum visibility
- •Regular reminders about spatial awareness and looking where moving
- •Appropriate work-to-rest ratios preventing overexertion
- •Thorough cool-down including static stretching to prevent muscle soreness
- •Clear stop signal (whistle) that all students understand and respond to immediately
- •Jewellery removal policy enforced, long hair tied back, appropriate footwear required
- •First aid kit accessible, teacher aware of any medical conditions affecting participation
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Teacher positioned at court edge or corners for visibility of all students throughout activities
- •During multiple small-sided games, position centrally to observe all playing areas
- •When demonstrating, ensure all students can see clearly and surrounding area is safe
- •Circulate during group work to monitor technique and safety compliance
- •During gameplay, position as referee with mobile observation of all players
- •Monitor high-activity areas particularly near goal posts
- •Watch for signs of fatigue, frustration, or unsafe behaviour - intervene immediately
- •Maintain visual contact with all students - no hidden areas or blind spots
- •Additional adult supervision beneficial for larger classes or mixed ability groups
Emergency Procedures
Immediate whistle blow to stop all activity if injury occurs. Assess situation calmly - if minor, provide reassurance and basic first aid. If significant injury, send responsible student to get additional adult help while maintaining supervision of rest of class. All students moved to safe area away from injured person. First aid kit accessed if needed. Incident recorded according to school policy. Parents/guardians contacted if required. For serious injuries, emergency services called immediately. All students remain under supervision until collected or dismissed appropriately. Teacher to complete accident report form.