Netball Foundations

Overview

This is the first lesson in a 5-lesson unit on fundamentals of team sports. Students will practise the core netball actions of serving/starting, passing with control and accuracy, basic receiving, and a simple shooting action, then apply these in a small-sided game.

Learning intentions

• WALT pass and receive over a short distance with control and accuracy.

• WALT use a stable base or start position and move to receive the ball effectively.

• WALT shoot towards the goal using consistent technique and body position.

• WALT follow netball conventions in a game (scoring, safe play, keeping the ball in play).

Success criteria

• I can pass the ball to a teammate using a controlled action and aim.

• I can receive the ball safely with soft hands and move to a ready position.

• I can shoot with a balanced stance and an upward follow-through.

• I can use fair play rules and keep rallies going during small-sided play.

Curriculum links

• Movement skills (Fielding, striking, and net and wall games) / Net and wall games (e.g. mini tennis): serving and passing with control and accuracy.

• Net and wall games: feeding and receiving over a net using correct throwing and catching technique (adapted to netball passing and receiving).

• Net and wall games: standing in a correct base or start position and moving effectively to receive or return the ball.

• Net and wall games: game play includes conventions such as scoring, serving, and rallies.

• Developing fundamental movement skills through a net and wall game context, sustaining rallies by keeping the ball in play and using passing and movement with or without a net.

Lesson structure (45 minutes)

• 0–5 min · Safe start and heart-up. Teacher leads a brief pulse-raiser: skipping or light jogging, plus dynamic arm/shoulder circles and knee lifts. Students practise space awareness and listen for safety cues.

• 5–12 min · Netball warm-up: ready–move–receive. Teacher sets up stations with cones and pairs. Students complete 3 quick rounds:

• “Ready position to receive”: students start in a low, athletic stance, then shuffle to a cone and hold a receive-ready posture.

• “Wall/partner warm pass”: short wall or partner passes focusing on controlled release and eyes on the ball.

• “Footwork to receive”: one partner tosses gently; receiver moves to a balanced stance before catching.

• 12–22 min · Direct teach: passing with control and accuracy. Teacher demonstrates two key skills:

• Passing: “two hands to the ball, step towards target, follow-through towards receiver.”

• Receiving: “soft hands, catch in front of chest, then face the next teammate.” Students practise in lines in 2 rounds:

• Round 1: 2-step passing drill (A passes to B at chest height; B catches and returns).

• Round 2: accuracy drill using targets (cones or hoops) where the pass must land or pass through a marked zone.

• 22–30 min · Direct teach: movement to receive. Teacher models base/start position and movement: “bend knees, be on the balls of feet, shuffle (not sprint) to line up, then catch.” Students practise a “triangle feed”: 3 students form a triangle; the passer calls “ready” and the receiver moves to an open spot before receiving. Emphasise quick feet and balanced body position.

• 30–38 min · Shooting basics: consistent stance and follow-through. Teacher explains and demonstrates a simple, repeatable shooting action suitable for Year 5–6:

• Stance: one foot slightly forward, knees bent, eyes on the hoop/target.

• Action: push the ball upward with both hands, then hold the follow-through. Students practise in small groups at two hoops/targets: 5 shots each, with a coach-style focus (balance, eyes, follow-through). Use soft balls if needed to keep it safe and controlled.

• 38–45 min · Small-sided netball game (fun + fundamentals). Teacher sets up 3v3 or 4v4 half-court style games with simplified rules:

• One pass must be completed before a shot (no direct “intercept and instantly score”).

• Players must move to create space for receiving (no standing completely still).

• Use safe contact rules: no pushing, minimal jostling, and keep distance. Students rotate roles (receiver/shooter/defender) and aim to keep rallies going through accurate passing.

Resources

• Netballs or appropriate soft balls (one per pair or small group)

• Cones to mark triangles, passing lines, and safe zones

• Hoops/targets or netball goals (or wall targets if equipment is limited)

• Bibs for teams

• Whistle or timer

Assessment

• Teacher checks during drills: can students pass accurately to a specific target/teammate using controlled technique?

• Teacher observes receiving readiness: do students move to a balanced stance and catch in front of the body?

• During the game, teacher uses quick prompts: “Show me a good ready position” and notes who is consistently creating space and keeping play going.

• Optional 1-minute end-of-lesson check-in: students rate themselves 1–3 on “passing accuracy” and “receiving control” on a mini scoreboard.