Mini Netball Play

Overview

This 60-minute lesson is Lesson 4 in the Year 2 unit Netball Skills and Fun. The focus is on applying previously learned netball skills by playing an organized mini netball game. Students engage in teamwork and cooperation in flexible team groups, while practicing throwing, catching, passing, and moving skills in an authentic game context.

Curriculum Links

Health and Physical Education learning area:

• Movement Concepts and Motor Skills

• Students develop fundamental movement skills and apply these in different movement situations.

• They participate actively in play, games, and physical activity, developing cooperation and fair play.

• Personal Health and Physical Development

• Developing confidence to participate in physical activities.

• Understanding and demonstrating positive attitudes such as respect, fairness, and teamwork.

Key competencies:

• Relating to others: Working collaboratively in teams, demonstrating good sportsmanship.
• Participating and contributing: Engaging actively in physical activity and games.

Learning Objectives (WALT)

We Are Learning To:

• Apply netball skills (throwing, catching, passing, moving) in a game scenario.
• Work cooperatively in teams following the rules of mini netball.
• Demonstrate good sportsmanship and respect during gameplay.

Success Criteria

• I actively participate in the netball game.
• I use the netball skills we have learnt during the game (throwing, catching, passing, moving).
• I work well with my team and show respect for others.
• I follow the basic rules of the game.

Risk Assessment

• Ensure playing area is safe and free from hazards.
• Use soft, age-appropriate balls.
• Reinforce safe play and respect for personal space.

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up and Recap (10 minutes)

• Begin with a fun, dynamic warm-up such as a game of Stuck in the Mud to get moving.
• Recap key netball skills briefly with demonstrations:
• Throwing techniques (chest and bounce pass)
• Catching safely with soft hands
• Moving into space to receive a pass
• Quick paired practice: partners throw and catch within a short distance.

2. Set Up Teams and Rules (5 minutes)

• Organise students into 4 mixed-ability teams of 5 students each.
• Explain the basic rules of the mini netball game, emphasising teamwork, fair play, and taking turns.
• Assign basic positions (e.g., attacker, defender) but keep flexible to suit abilities and encourage everyone to be involved.

3. Organised Mini Netball Game (30 minutes)

• Play short matches (5-7 minutes each) between teams on smaller courts suitable for Year 2.
• Pause briefly between matches for hydration and quick feedback.
• Teacher circulates, provides encouragement, and scaffolds game play, prompting teamwork and skill use.
• Encourage students with advanced skills to take on leadership roles like directing teammates or calling plays.

4. Cool Down and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Gentle stretching circle with breathing exercises to cool down.
• Reflect as a class:
• What skills did you use in your game?
• How did your team work together?
• What did good sportsmanship look like today?
• Praise positive examples of cooperation and respect, reinforcing the success criteria.

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Differentiation

• Mixed-ability grouping: Allows peer support and varied challenges.
• Simplified rules or modified court size for students needing additional support.
• Use positive reinforcement and visual cues for instructions.
• Scaffold skill practice during warm-up and game with teacher modelling.

Extension

• Assign advanced learners as team captains to lead warm-ups or explain rules during game breaks.
• Challenge captains to coach peers on positioning or passing strategies.
• Introduce simple scoring or rotation of roles to deepen strategic thinking.

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Assessment

• Teacher observation of students applying netball skills during gameplay.
• Monitor participation, cooperation, and demonstration of sportsmanship.
• Use informal questioning during reflection to assess understanding of teamwork and fair play.

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This lesson is designed to fully align with the New Zealand Curriculum's Health and Physical Education achievement objectives for Year 2, nurturing physical competence, social skills, and positive attitudes through safe, enjoyable netball play.