Passing and Teamwork

Overview

A 45-minute practical lesson designed for Year 8 students focusing on netball passing skills and teamwork. This session reviews the chest, bounce, and overarm throws as foundational techniques, incorporating skill development with engaging small-sided games - Piggy in the Middle and Bench Ball. The lesson closely follows the National Curriculum for England’s Physical Education framework, promoting physical competence, tactical understanding, and collaboration.

National Curriculum Links

Key Stage 3 Physical Education Programme of Study (Years 7-9):
- Pupils should be taught to:
  - develop and perform a range of skills effectively in different physical activities and sports, including those that require hand-eye coordination
  - understand and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending
  - develop their ability to work independently and communicate effectively with others
  - take the initiative and make appropriate decisions in team games

Learning Objectives

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

Demonstrate correct technique for chest, bounce, and overarm passes in netball with increasing accuracy.
Apply these passing techniques effectively to all team members within a small group.
Show improved communication and spatial awareness during modified netball games.
Understand and apply basic teamwork principles during game play.

Lesson Structure

Time	Activity	Description & Key Points	Assessment/Success Criteria
0-5 mins	Starter & Introduction	- Welcome and outline session aims and safety reminders.

Brief discussion on importance of passing in netball and teamwork.
Quick demonstration of chest, bounce, and overarm passes by teacher. | Engagement; ability to recall correct pass types; readiness to learn. | | 5-15 mins | Skill Review & Practice | - Students pair up to practise chest, bounce, and overarm passes.
Emphasise stance, grip, foot positioning, and follow-through.
Teacher circulates giving technical feedback based on observation. | Accurate execution of 3 passes; feedback-to-improvement cycle observed. | | 15-25 mins| Piggy in the Middle | - Groups of 4: 2 players pass the ball while 2 try to intercept in the middle.
Rotate roles frequently.
Encourage communication and quick decision making. | Use of appropriate passes under pressure; communication and awareness. | | 25-35 mins| Bench Ball | - Divide class into two teams (5 each).
Set clear boundaries and ‘benches’ (safe zones) at ends of court.
Objective: pass effectively to teammates to move ball towards bench and score.
Limited dribbling to emphasise passing. | Teamworking, strategic passing, spatial awareness during game play. | | 35-43 mins| Cool Down and Reflection | - Gentle stretching focusing on arms and shoulders.
Group discussion: What passing techniques worked best? Challenges?
Link learning to netball in competitive games and other team sports. | Participation in reflection; ability to articulate learning and future goals. | | 43-45 mins| Plenary & Next Steps | - Recap objectives met.
Briefly outline next lessons focus (e.g., footwork, interceptions). | Student self-assessment confidence levels; preparation for next lesson. |

Equipment Needed

10 netballs (one per student or pairs where necessary)
Cones for marking boundaries and benches
Bibs/pinnies to differentiate teams
Stopwatch or timer

Differentiation & Inclusion

Provide adapted nets/soft balls for students requiring sensory considerations.
Pair lower-skilled students with more confident peers for peer coaching.
Encourage positive, supportive communication to build confidence.
Adjust space and pace for physical capability variations ensuring all students remain actively involved.

Teacher Tips & Wow Factor

Use high-speed filming via smartphone for instant playback of passing techniques during practice—students can self-correct based on visual feedback.
Incorporate creative hashtags (e.g., #PassPerfect) and challenges, fostering digital engagement if follow-up homework or reflections are required.
End session by nominating a ‘Pass Master’ award for each group to motivate and celebrate skill mastery.
Introduce a peer assessment sheet for students to give positive feedback to teammates during games.

This plan not only develops fundamental netball passing but embeds critical social and cognitive skills central to the National Curriculum, preparing students for confident, informed participation in both PE and broader physical activities.

Teaching Instructions