Lesson 3 - Footwork & Netball Leadership
Leadership In Netball Performance
•Year 9
•Sport Education
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed in bags around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 4 netballs for smaller hands if needed
Pre-sorted into team sets for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies if bibs unavailable
Stored in accessible containers at court corners
Alternative: Cones or chalk marks on court surface
Check post stability and net condition before lesson
Alternative: Basketball hoops at adjusted height if netball posts unavailable
Different colours for different activities if possible
Alternative: Markers or sports spots if cones not available
Clipboards provided for easy completion during activities
Alternative: Digital assessment on tablets if available
Key Vocabulary
The specific rules governing how players can move their feet when in possession of the ball
Technique allowing a player to move at speed while maintaining legal foot positioning
The foot that must remain in contact with the ground when a player has possession
The act of receiving and gaining control of the ball while applying correct footwork
Strategic movement patterns designed to create scoring opportunities while maintaining possession
Playing within the rules and spirit of the game, showing respect for all participants
Demonstrating respect, integrity and positive behaviour regardless of competitive outcome
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
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