Passing Skills Practice

Learning Focus

WALT (We Are Learning To): Master basic passing techniques in netball by practicing chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass with accuracy and teamwork.

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Curriculum Links

This lesson aligns with the New Zealand Curriculum, Level 1 (Year 2) Physical Education, including:

• Achievement Objective: Movement concepts and motor skills – Develop and demonstrate motor skills including simple object control skills (passes and catches) in varied contexts.

• Key Competencies:

• Participating and contributing: Cooperate and take turns with peers during paired and group activities.

• Managing self: Developing confidence and persistence trying new skills.

• Relating to others: Work collaboratively in pairs and small groups to practice passing skills.

• Health and Physical Education Learning Area Key Concepts:

• Movement concepts (body management and object control skills).

• Relationships with others through teamwork and communication in physical activity.

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Success Criteria

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

• Demonstrate and accurately execute three types of netball passes: chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.
• Show teamwork by communicating and cooperating with a partner during passing drills.

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Resources

• Size 4 netballs or larger tactile balls for easier handling.
• Cones or markers to set up passing stations.
• Whistle and stopwatch.
• Visual cue cards with step-by-step instructions for each pass.

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Lesson Outline (60 minutes)

1. Warm-up and Introduction (10 minutes)

• Gather students in a circle.
• Brief discussion: "What kinds of passes do you know in netball?" Brief demonstration of chest pass, bounce pass, and overhead pass.
• Warm-up movement activity: Jog around the court, change direction on whistle, do gentle arm swings to prepare muscles.

2. Skill Demonstration and Guided Practice (15 minutes)

• Chest Pass: Demonstrate hand placement, step forward, push ball from chest with two hands.

• Bounce Pass: Show how to bounce the ball on the ground so it reaches partner’s waist level.

• Overhead Pass: Demonstrate passing ball from above head with both hands, extending arms fully.

• Students form pairs and practice each pass for 5 minutes with feedback from teacher and peers.

• Use differentiation by pairing less confident students with supportive partners and offering larger, softer balls if needed.

3. Skill Drills (20 minutes)

• Set up three stations, one for each pass type.
• Pairs rotate through stations practicing passes from different distances and angles (start close, then increase distance).
• Use cones to mark passing targets.
• Teacher circulates, providing encouragement and correcting technique.

4. Extension Activity – Passing Relay with Obstacles (10 minutes)

• For students who master the basic passes early:
• Create a fun relay where pairs pass the ball around a simple obstacle course (e.g., cones or hoop targets).
• Emphasise accuracy and teamwork.

5. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Gentle stretching focusing on arms and shoulders.
• Sit in a circle and ask students to share:
• Which pass was easiest/hardest and why?
• How did you work with your partner?
• Recap the success criteria and celebrate achievements.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Pair less confident or less able students with those who can provide encouragement and model skills.
• Use larger, lighter balls for students who find standard netballs difficult to handle.
• Provide visual cue cards and step-by-step instructions for each type of pass.
• Give clear, concise demonstrations and allow repeated practice to build confidence.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment through teacher observation during drills, checking for:
• Correct technique in each type of pass (hand position, body posture, follow-through).
• Ability to catch and receive the ball from a partner.
• Cooperation and communication in paired activities.
• Provide immediate positive feedback, and tips for improvement.
• Encourage peer feedback within pairs.

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This lesson is designed to build foundational skills in netball passing that support effective participation and enjoyment. It promotes skill development, collaboration, and confidence, consistent with the New Zealand Curriculum’s vision for holistic physical education learning experiences.