Teamwork through Netball

Overview

This 45-minute introductory lesson to netball is designed for Year 2 students in New Zealand. Students will explore the basic rules and objectives of netball, emphasising teamwork and sportsmanship through discussion and active participation. This lesson sets the foundation for the 10-lesson unit "Netball Skills & Fitness."

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Curriculum Links

Health and Physical Education Learning Area

• Strand: Movement concepts and motor skills
• Level: Level 1 (Year 2)
• Achievement Objective:
  • Develop motor skills and understand movement concepts to participate confidently in physical activities.
  • Recognise the importance of working with others and fair play in games and activities.

Key Competencies addressed

• Managing Self: Students manage their own behaviour safely and with an awareness of others.
• Relating to Others: Students cooperate in pairs and groups, showing respect and fairness during physical activity.
• Participating and Contributing: Students actively participate in games and demonstrate sportsmanship.

This corresponds to the intent and values of the New Zealand Curriculum proactively encouraging students to develop positive attitudes through physical education experiences.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Describe the basic rules and objective of netball in simple terms.
2. Understand and demonstrate key values of teamwork and sportsmanship during activities.
3. Participate actively in a modified netball game that illustrates these concepts.

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Resources Needed

• Soft foam netballs or similar (1 per 3 students)
• Netball court markings or cones to outline play area
• Bibs or coloured bands (to distinguish teams)
• Portable netball hoop or target area
• Whistle for signalling

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Lesson Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (5 minutes)

• Begin with fun, simple movement activities such as "Follow the Leader" focusing on running, stopping, and changing direction to prepare for netball's movement demands.
• Briefly introduce the session focus: exploring netball skills, teamwork, and fun.

2. Introduction and Discussion (10 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle.
• Explain the basic rules and objectives of netball in simple language:
  • "Netball is a game where we try to get the ball to a player who can shoot it into the hoop."
  • "We cannot run with the ball; we must pass it to others."
• Discuss teamwork:
  • "Netball is not just about scoring points but working with friends."
  • Ask, "What does teamwork mean to you? Why is it important in games?"
• Introduce sportsmanship concepts: fairness, respect for others, and taking turns.
• Use storytelling or characters to illustrate good teamwork and sportsmanship behaviours appropriate for Year 2.

3. Skill Demonstration and Practice (10 minutes)

• Show basic netball skills:
  • Passing the ball (chest pass, bounce pass with partner demonstrations)
  • Catching the ball safely
  • Moving and finding space without the ball
• Students practise in pairs with partners, encouraging encouragement and co-operation.
• Scaffold with positive feedback emphasising working together.

4. Mini Netball Game (15 minutes)

• Divide class into small teams (3-4 students each, depending on teacher preference).
• Set up a simplified play area with cones marking boundaries and target zones.
• Rules adaptations: buzzing pass only, no running with ball, focus on passing and moving as a team.
• Encourage students to apply the rules and focus on teamwork and fair play during the game.
• Teachers and assistants facilitate play, prompt positive interactions, and model sportsmanship.

5. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gather students sitting in a circle.
• Ask reflection questions:
  • "What did you enjoy about playing netball today?"
  • "How did your team work together?"
  • "How did we show respect to others in the game?"
• Reinforce messages on teamwork and sportsmanship.

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Assessment and Feedback

• Observations: Teacher notes student participation, ability to follow basic rules, and social behaviours during the game.
• Informal questioning: During reflection to gauge understanding of teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Feedback: Specific praise on teamwork moments and fair play behaviours.

This aligns with assessment as learning, formative feedback, and supports the development of not only skills but values consistent with NZ Curriculum expectations for Physical Education at Level 1.

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Teacher Tips

• Model enthusiasm and positive language about teamwork and respect throughout the lesson.
• Use opportunities to weave in te reo Māori greetings and phrases related to cooperation (e.g., “mahi tahi” - working together).
• Adapt space and rules as needed to keep all students moving and engaged.

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This plan integrates physical skills with key social and emotional learning components, supporting confident and respectful participation in physical activity for young New Zealand learners.

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End of Lesson Plan