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Lesson 3 - Footwork & Netball Leadership

Leadership In Netball Performance

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Year 9

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Sport Education

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Big Question

How can mastering footwork rules and demonstrating leadership transform both individual performance and team dynamics in competitive netball?

Learning Objectives

Lead their own warm-up routines and skill development drills with confidence
Demonstrate correct footwork techniques including running footwork and pivot rules
Apply fair play principles and excellent sportsmanship during competitive match situations
Critically analyse individual contribution to team performance and identify improvement strategies

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully lead warm-up activities with clear coaching points
Students will consistently apply correct footwork rules during dynamic game situations
Students will demonstrate leadership qualities and positive sporting behaviour throughout the lesson
Students will complete reflective analysis identifying specific areas for personal development

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for class of 30)

Distributed in bags around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 netballs for smaller hands if needed

Team bibs

2 sets of 15 (different colours for team identification)

Pre-sorted into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies if bibs unavailable

Throw Down Markers

20 markers for court positioning and drill setup

Stored in accessible containers at court corners

Alternative: Cones or chalk marks on court surface

Posts

2 regulation posts (or portable equivalents)

Check post stability and net condition before lesson

Alternative: Basketball hoops at adjusted height if netball posts unavailable

Cones

16 cones for drill boundaries and race setup

Different colours for different activities if possible

Alternative: Markers or sports spots if cones not available

Score Sheets

1 per student plus teacher master sheets

Clipboards provided for easy completion during activities

Alternative: Digital assessment on tablets if available

Key Vocabulary

Footwork

The specific rules governing how players can move their feet when in possession of the ball

Running Footwork

Technique allowing a player to move at speed while maintaining legal foot positioning

Pivot Foot

The foot that must remain in contact with the ground when a player has possession

Collection

The act of receiving and gaining control of the ball while applying correct footwork

Attacking Movement

Strategic movement patterns designed to create scoring opportunities while maintaining possession

Fair Play

Playing within the rules and spirit of the game, showing respect for all participants

Sportsmanship

Demonstrating respect, integrity and positive behaviour regardless of competitive outcome

Self-Reflection

The process of critically analysing one's own performance to identify strengths and improvement areas

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic netball positions and court layout understanding
Fundamental passing and catching techniques
Introduction to footwork rules and basic movement patterns
Understanding of team roles in sport education model

Current Skills

Advanced footwork application including running footwork
Leadership skills in coaching and motivating teammates
Analytical skills for performance reflection and improvement
Sportsmanship and fair play under competitive pressure

Next Steps

Complex tactical decision-making during match play
Advanced coaching techniques for peer instruction
Strategic team planning and game analysis
Tournament organisation and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies footwork rules without umpire intervention

Takes initiative in leading team activities confidently

Demonstrates maturity in competitive situations

Provides constructive feedback to improve team performance

Key Teaching Points

Footwork rules are fundamental to fair play and must be consistently applied in all situations
Leadership in sport education model empowers students to take ownership of their learning
Sportsmanship and respect are equally important as technical skill development
Peer teaching reinforces understanding and develops communication skills
Running footwork enables dynamic attacking play while maintaining legal positioning
Self-reflection and target setting promote independent learning and growth mindset
Progressive skill building from practice to game application ensures confident performance

Common Misconceptions

Students often think footwork rules are too restrictive rather than understanding they enable fair, skilled play
Many believe sportsmanship means being 'soft' rather than showing strength through respect and integrity
Students may think peer teaching is less valuable than teacher instruction
Students often focus only on winning rather than skill development and personal improvement
Many believe running footwork is too complex rather than understanding it as natural movement progression
Students may think self-assessment is subjective rather than developing critical evaluation skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with regular movement breaks, provide specific roles and responsibilities, use immediate positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for footwork coordination, use larger balls for easier handling, provide step-by-step written instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure and visual schedule, offer quiet reflection space if overwhelmed, use consistent language and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs for contrast, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance during movement

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and hand gestures for communication, provide written instruction sheets, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt footwork rules for wheelchair users, provide seated coaching roles, modify equipment size and weight as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing communication skills through peer teaching, using specific vocabulary accurately, writing reflective analysis with proper structure

Science

Understanding forces and motion in netball movements, biomechanics of efficient running footwork, cardiovascular responses to exercise intensity

Health Education

Recognising benefits of regular physical activity, understanding importance of fair play and respect in society, developing social skills through team activities

Mathematics

Analysing statistics from match play, calculating improvement percentages, measuring court dimensions and angles for tactical understanding

Psychology

Understanding team dynamics and leadership, managing competitive pressure and emotions, developing resilience and growth mindset

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate around court perimeter for optimal viewing of all activities, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct footwork application, positive sporting behaviour, effective peer teaching, and individual engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, incorrect technique reinforcement, or negative sporting behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex footwork, exaggerate key points for visibility, involve students in demonstrations to check understanding

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your pivot foot!' when students are struggling with footwork
•'Excellent sportsmanship!' when observing positive behaviour
•'Think about your landing!' during collection practice
•'Support your teammates!' to encourage positive team dynamics

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court (30.5m x 15.25m) with clear run-off areas of minimum 2m on all sides

Surface Check

Court surface must be dry, even, and free from loose debris or water hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are stable and nets securely attached
•Ensure all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Verify cones and markers have no sharp edges or cracks
•Check bibs are clean and fastenings are secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during fast-paced attacking movements
•Falls when changing direction or landing from jumps
•Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
•Overexertion during competitive match play
•Emotional responses during competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear court boundaries and safe zones for non-players
•Ensure adequate spacing during all movement activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Clear rules about physical contact and safe play
•Regular breaks and intensity monitoring during match play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all court areas during match play
•Monitor high-activity zones during attacking movement drills
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique or decision-making
•Ensure umpires maintain control and player safety during competitive play

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal recognised by all students, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, document any incidents