Teams:

• A standard senior Netball team consists of 7 players.  However, most junior Netball games are played with 5 players per team.
• The positions are Goal Shooter (GS), Goal Attack (GA), Centre (C), Goal Defence (GD), and Goalkeeper (GK).
• The additional 2 positions in senior teams are Wing Attack (WA) and Wing Defence (WD).

           The Court:

• A standard netball court is 30 metres long by 15 metres wide.
• It's divided into thirds, with a shooting circle at each end. The larger shooting circle is called the 'goal circle'.
• The hoops/nets are positioned at the center of each shooting circle and are 3 metres high (a lower height should be considered for children playing).

           Scoring:

• A team scores 1 point by shooting the ball through the opponent’s hoop.
• Only the Goal Attack and Goal Shooter are allowed to score goals inside the goal circle.
• A team can also score 1 point by a free shot if the opponent commits a technical foul.
• The team with the most points at the end of four 15-minute quarters wins the game.

           Starting Play:

• The game starts with a centre pass. The team that wins the toss gets the first centre pass. Teams then alternate the centre pass at each new start of play.
• Players must stand in their respective thirds until the whistle is blown.
• The player with the centre pass must pass the ball to a teammate and cannot shoot directly from the centre pass.

           The Game:

• A netball game is typically played in four quarters, each lasting 15 minutes.
• There are no timeouts, and substitutions can only be made during stoppages in play.

           Passing:

• Players can move the ball up the court by passing it to teammates.
• After receiving the ball, a player must establish one foot as a 'landing foot' and cannot move the other foot until they pass the ball.

           Footwork:

• Footwork violations (also known as ‘stepping’) occur when a player moves one foot or both feet while holding the ball.
• Players must establish a pivot foot, and they can only lift that foot once before passing or shooting.

           Defence:

• Defenders try to prevent the opposing team from scoring by blocking shots and intercepting passes.
• Defenders must stay at least 1 metre away from the player with the ball.

           Contact and Obstruction:

• Physical contact in netball is limited. Players cannot push, charge, or make body contact with opponents.
• Players are allowed to defend their opponent but must not obstruct their movement or reach when the opponent is attempting to pass or shoot.
• A ‘contact’ or ‘obstruction’ foul results in a free pass or shot for the opposing team.

           Violations:

• Players must stay within the boundary lines of the court. Stepping out of bounds is a violation, and the opposing team gains possession.
• Common violations include stepping, short passes, and held ball (holding onto the ball for too long).

In Lower Key Stage 2 Netball, children should continue to develop ball control, improving control when moving around, and increasing the accuracy and control when passing, shooting and receiving. Our Year 3 Netball lesson plans improve decision making in game situations, allowing children to make passes and move into good positions to make it difficult for opponents.  Children are encouraged to work well with others, communicating and collaborating, whilst being fair and respectful when competing against others.

Netball lessons play an important role in primary school PE.  They provide opportunities for children to use running, jumping, throwing and catching in game situations, and continue to develop balance, strength, agility and control.  Netball lessons also give children a chance to participate in competitive games, using basic principles suitable for attacking and defending. Primary School Netball is also great for promoting values such as respect and for helping children become physically confident and competent to support their health and fitness.

All PE Planning lesson plans are created by PE Specialists and include all the resources required to deliver a complete Unit of Work.  Each lesson plan includes full guidance, including illustrations, and you can choose to download either a quick reference plan or a full lesson plan. Our Year 3 Netball lesson plans follow the National Curriculum and allow you to deliver fun, engaging and rewarding Netball lessons to your Year 3 pupils.  Best of all, our Netball plans are quick and easy to download and follow, making your life easier!