Netball Skills Development

Curriculum Area

National Curriculum for Physical Education (PE) – Key Stage 3 (England, UK)

• Developing skills in competitive games – focusing on passing, catching, footwork, positioning, and shooting
• Applying tactics in team play – understanding movement and positioning in netball
• Developing physical and mental capacity – improving coordination, reaction time, and teamwork

Lesson Objectives

By the end of this 30-minute session, students should be able to:

1. Demonstrate accurate passing and catching under pressure
2. Apply correct footwork and positioning when moving with the ball
3. Improve shooting accuracy through targeted practice

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Lesson Structure (30 Minutes)

1. Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Objective: To elevate heart rate, activate muscles, and mentally prepare for netball.

Activity: Dynamic Circuit

Set up four stations around the court. Students rotate every 30 seconds.

• Station 1: Fast Footwork – Quick side-to-side shuffles
• Station 2: Passing Prep – Chest pass against a wall
• Station 3: Jump Activation – Small hops and explosive jumps
• Station 4: Reaction Drills – Partner clap-reaction catches

Encourage students to focus on agility, balance, and coordination.

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2. Passing & Catching (8 Minutes)

Objective: To refine accurate passing and consistent catching under movement.

Activity: Pass and Move Grid

Set-up: Mark a 5m x 5m grid using cones. Students in pairs, 3 balls per group (one active at a time).

1. Chest Pass & Sprint – Player A passes to B and sprints to a different corner before receiving again.
2. Overhead Pass Under Pressure – Player B applies minimal movement pressure while Player A attempts an overhead pass.
3. Bounce Pass Reaction Drill – Randomly call “switch!”, requiring players to change direction mid-pass.

Teaching Points:
✔ Keep eyes up when passing
✔ Use fingers to control the ball, not palms
✔ Move into space after passing

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3. Footwork & Positioning (7 Minutes)

Objective: To reinforce correct landing, pivoting, and spatial awareness.

Activity: Footwork Relay

Set-up: Divide class into four teams. Each team forms a straight line at one end of the netball court.

1. Sprint to cone → Jump stop → Pivot → Pass back
2. Shuffle sideways → Receive pass → Pivot → Pass back
3. Sudden Change Drill – Teacher calls "pivot left!" or "pivot right!" mid-run to test reactions.

Progression: Add a defender to simulate match conditions.

Teaching Points:
✔ Always establish a ‘landing foot’ before pivoting
✔ Keep balance when changing direction
✔ Maintain a low centre of gravity for control

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4. Shooting & Goal Practice (7 Minutes)

Objective: To enhance shooting technique and gameplay application in a realistic setting.

Activity: Accuracy Challenge

Set-up: Five shooting stations, each progressively farther from the netball post. Players rotate after each attempt.

1. Close-range layups (1 metre)
2. Mid-range accuracy (2–3 metres)
3. Under-pressure shot (pass first, then shoot within 3 secs)
4. Side-angle shot (simulate game positioning)
5. Long-distance challenge (for stretch and confidence)

Progression: Add a defender near the post to simulate in-game conditions.

Teaching Points:
✔ Follow through with wrist flick for accuracy
✔ Aim just above the ring, not directly at it
✔ Keep feet balanced and knees slightly bent

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5. Cool Down & Reflection (3 Minutes)

Objective: To gradually lower heart rate and encourage self-assessment.

Activity: Guided Recovery Stretch

• Arm, shoulder, and wrist stretches (for passing)
• Leg and ankle stretches (for footwork)
• Deep breathing for relaxation

Reflection (Teacher-led Q&A):

• "What was the most challenging skill today?"
• "How can you apply today's learning in a match?"
• "What do you want to improve next time?"

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Assessment Criteria

Teachers can assess student progress based on:
✅ Technique – Are students employing correct passing, catching, and footwork?
✅ Application – Can they use these skills in a pressured situation?
✅ Confidence – Are they willing to attempt challenging moves and shots?
✅ Teamwork – Are they communicating effectively with teammates?

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Differentiation Strategies

• For less confident students: Use a lighter ball, slow down drills, or assign them a 'support role' in small-sided games.
• For advanced students: Introduce defenders in drills, enforce time limits on ball possession, or require complex movement sequences before passing.

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This structured yet engaging netball session enables Year 7 students to develop essential netball skills, improving their technical ability and confidence in a fun, competitive environment. 🎯