Netball - Lesson 1

The first lesson in a series for Year 5 netball focuses on developing the pupils' ability to catch and throw a netball with precision. The learning objectives set the stage for students to master catching the ball, executing a variety of passes, and applying these skills in a game context. Key vocabulary such as 'pass', 'catch', 'control', and 'accuracy' underpin the session. To facilitate the lesson, equipment like cones, netballs, whistles, and marker cones are required. The warm-up segment, lasting approximately 10 minutes, involves jogging in pairs around the court, with intermittent sprints triggered by whistle signals. The teacher also guides the pupils through mobility exercises, emphasizing the importance of warming up to prevent injury, improve performance, and prepare both body and mind for physical activity.

The main part of the lesson, which is around 30 minutes, includes a variety of drills to familiarize pupils with the ball, such as moving it around their bodies and through their legs, as well as dribbling exercises both stationary and in motion. Team-based activities like relays and zig-zag passing drills encourage teamwork and enhance passing skills, with extensions to challenge the more adept pupils, such as increasing the number of balls in play. The session culminates with a competitive 'Piggy in the Middle' game, focusing on different types of passes. A 10-minute cool-down follows, revisiting the various passes learned during the lesson and incorporating ball handling exercises to stretch and relax the muscles. The pupils are encouraged to discuss the cool-down process and its benefits, reinforcing their understanding of the entire physical activity cycle.