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Lesson 5 - Shooting Under Pressure

Leadership In Netball Performance

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Year 9

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Sport Education

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1h 20min

Big Question

How do elite netball players maintain accuracy and make tactical decisions under intense competitive pressure?

Learning Objectives

Develop advanced shooting techniques maintaining accuracy under defensive pressure
Apply sophisticated defensive strategies in competitive game situations
Demonstrate effective leadership skills within assigned team roles and responsibilities

Key Outcomes

Students will execute quick-release shooting with 70% accuracy under pressure
Students will implement multi-stage defensive strategies effectively in game situations
Students will lead their teams through tactical analysis and strategic decision-making

Equipment & Resources Required

Netball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 4 balls for smaller hands, foam balls for confidence building

Team bibs

30 (5 sets of 6 different colours)

Organised by team captains at start of lesson

Alternative: Coloured bands or numbered vests

Posts

4 posts (2 courts)

Check height adjustment and stability before lesson

Alternative: Basketball hoops at appropriate height

Throw Down Markers

Mark shooting positions and defensive zones

Alternative: Chalk marks or tape on indoor surface

Cones

Various colours for different drill zones

Alternative: Markers or spots

Score Sheets

8 (1 per team role)

Prepared with student names and assessment criteria

Alternative: Digital assessment on tablets

Stopwatch

One per team for timed activities

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps

Key Vocabulary

Quick release shooting

Rapid shooting technique minimising time between receiving ball and shooting

Three-stage marking

Progressive defensive approach: marking space, then ball, then player

Intercepting

Reading play to position for successful ball interception

Centre pass strategy

Planned movement patterns and positioning for centre pass execution

Space creation

Using movement and positioning to create attacking opportunities

Tactical analysis

Systematic evaluation of team and opponent strategies

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic shooting technique with consistent accuracy in unopposed situations
Understanding of individual defensive positions and marking responsibilities
Experience working in team roles within Sport Education model

Current Skills

Quick-release shooting under defensive pressure
Advanced defensive strategies including interception and space denial
Leadership and tactical analysis within competitive team environment

Next Steps

Tournament play applying all skills under competitive pressure
Advanced tactical variations and set plays
Peer coaching and tactical leadership responsibilities

Milestone Indicators

Maintains shooting accuracy above 70% under pressure

Successfully intercepts passes in game situations

Leads team effectively through tactical decision-making

Key Teaching Points

Quick-release shooting maintains accuracy through consistent technique rather than rushed execution
Three-stage marking system requires smooth transitions and constant ball awareness
Leadership in competitive situations demands clear communication and positive encouragement
Tactical analysis focuses on specific observations rather than general performance comments
Tournament preparation requires identifying specific, actionable improvement priorities
Pressure situations reveal true skill mastery and character development
Team tactics succeed through coordinated execution rather than individual brilliance

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Quick-release shooting means sacrificing accuracy for speed. Correction: Quick-release maintains technique while reducing preparation time
Misconception: Good defence means staying close to your player at all times. Correction: Three-stage marking adapts distance based on ball position
Misconception: Leadership means telling everyone what to do. Correction: Effective leadership involves listening, supporting, and facilitating team decisions
Misconception: Tactical analysis means finding faults. Correction: Analysis identifies both strengths to build on and areas for strategic improvement
Misconception: Tournament pressure should change your technique. Correction: Pressure situations require trusting your practiced techniques
Misconception: Advanced skills are only for naturally talented players. Correction: Systematic practice and tactical understanding develop advanced performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer additional movement opportunities

dyspraxia

Simplify multi-step movements initially, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment if needed

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for team roles, offer quiet space for tactical processing, use visual aids for strategy explanation

visual impairment

Use high-contrast coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of tactical movements, assign sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game management, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, provide written tactical instructions

physical disability

Adapt court positions and boundaries, modify shooting heights if needed, provide seated versions of tactical discussions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in leadership roles, tactical analysis vocabulary, presentation of team strategies

Science

Biomechanics of shooting technique, physics of ball flight and trajectory, reaction times in defensive play

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, mapping movement patterns, understanding territory in defensive play

ICT

Video analysis of technique and tactics, digital assessment recording, statistical analysis tools

Mathematics

Statistical analysis of shooting percentages, angles of court movement, timing of tactical plays

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork under pressure, resilience and managing competitive stress

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at court edge for visibility of all activities, move between courts during game application

Observation Focus

Monitor technique quality under pressure, leadership effectiveness, tactical application

Intervention Points

Step in if contact levels become unsafe, support struggling leaders, provide tactical guidance when needed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use clear, exaggerated movements for complex techniques, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Quick release, trust your technique!'
•'Mark space, mark ball, mark player!'
•'Captains, lead through this challenge!'
•'Apply your tactical plan!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full netball court (minimum 30m x 15m) with clear safety margins around perimeter

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, appropriate court markings clearly visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check netball posts are stable and at correct height (3.05m)
•Ensure balls are correctly inflated and free from damage
•Verify bibs are secure and not torn
•Check cones and markers have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during high-intensity game play
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes during interception attempts
•Overexertion during extended competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established around courts
•Progressive skill building before full competitive play
•Controlled contact rules during defensive practice
•Regular hydration breaks during extended activity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of both courts during games
•Monitor contact levels during defensive and shooting practice
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety and technique

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assessment of injury, appropriate first aid response, incident reporting