Physical Education and Sports

8.1. Key unit competence

After this unit, learners will be able to refine techniques and tactics of netball and

adhere to rules of the game.

8.2. Prerequisite knowledge and skills

Learners of senior three will learn better netball if they can use different defensive

and offensive netball techniques in various game situations, apply basic rule, state and

explain different offensive and defensive techniques.

8.3. Cross- cutting issues to be addressed

Gender education

In teaching and learning process, prepare and provide physical activities that engage

both girls and boys to exploit their full potential and talents without any discrimination

or prejudice.

Inclusive education

Consider different special education needs and select activities to adapt teaching

approaches to all learners. This creates a positive attitude and helps all learners to

participate actively and develop their competence levels.

Financial education

Integrate Financial Education into teaching/learning activity by providing the local

and no cost teaching material where possible. Encourage learners to make their own

materials that can help them to develop competences not only in sport but also in their

daily life.

Standardization culture

Choose and select the standardized materials to use in teaching/learning process .It is

necessary to provide appropriate materials required to the levels of learners and help them to develop culture of checking the quality of sport materials before their use to

prevent injuries and other accident.

Environment and sustainability

Provide materials and deliver the lesson with encouraging learners to protect the

environment and well use of materials. Help them to develop fair play and avoiding

violence in the game.

Peace and values education

 Help learners to develop fair play and avoiding violence and conflict in the game by

setting clear and relevant instructions. Provide activities that help learners to develop

their competence peacefully.

Comprehensive sexuality education

Provides physical activities and sets instructions that prevent sexual harassment, any

kind of gender based violence like sexual abuse and “bad touches”. 

8.4 . List of lessons and assessment

Lesson 1: Netball techniques of attack

a. Prerequisites

Learners of senior three will learn better netball techniques of attack if they can perform

netball skills adhering to rules

b. Teaching resources

Playground, teaching room, whistles, stop watch, balls, cones, chasubles, ring

c. Introduction

Opening discussions

 Ask questions related to netball techniques of attack and their importance to player

Warm-up activities

Let learners make two rows and perform exercises of body activation by jogging around

the ground with maintaining a medium speed. Warming up specifically with balls in

group. Ask one of them to lead systematic stretching exercises.

d. Lesson development

This lesson comprises techniques of attack in netball

For each technique:

• Show learners how to execute the basic skills

• Let learners to practice based on instructions, materials and provide necessary

support

• Control how learners perform netball attack with techniques

Techniques of shoulder pass

• Position feet staggered one foot ahead of the other

• Hold the ball in one hand at the shoulder

• Extend arm with the ball behind the shoulder

• Push the ball weight transferred to the forward foot

• Throw the ball with a final snap of fingers and wrists

• Turn the body forward as the throwing arm swings across the body

Techniques of chest pass

• Place one foot in front of the other and slightly apart

• Face the direction of the throw

• Hold the ball at the chest level

• Focus eyes on target where you want to throw

• Hold the ball close to the chest

• Push from both hands on to the target

• Follow through with the rest of the body forward

• Forward the hind leg to maintain balance

• Transfer the weight of the body to the foot opposite to the throwing arm

Techniques of bounce pass

• Position feet staggered one foot ahead of the other

• Hold the ball in both hands with fingers spread over as it is a chest pass

• Keep eyes on the receiver

• Push arms forward and down wards

• Release the ball to strike the ground near the receiver to be received at the hips

level

• Move the hind foot forward to maintain balance

• Extend the hands and fingers in the direction of the ball

Techniques of lob pass / overhead pass

• Balance on feet

• Place the weak foot in front of other in the direction of the throw

• Keep body weight on the hind foot

• Hold the ball in both hands with fingers behind and thumbs under

• Extend arms from behind and over the head

• Flexing hands and fingers as the ball is released

• Transfer the weight of the body to the forward leg

• Extend the arms fully and relax fingers

• Move behind foot forward in the throwing direction 

Techniques of under arm pass

• Execute standing position with weak foot in front

• Take both arms back with elbow straight as the knees bend

• Crouch the body and the weight taken on the back foot

• Push the ball in forward direction

• Transfer the weight of the body forward

• Release the ball as the arms past he side of the leg

Techniques of shooting

• Stand with foot opposite the hand in front

• Hold the ball so that it rests on fingers

• Spread fingers underneath the ball, thumbs under the ball

• Lock wrists to maintain shooting position

• Hold the ball above the head in order to see the ring

• Keep eyes on the ring until the ball is released

• Bend the elbows to bring the ball to the head level

• Bend the knees and push the ball upwards with arms

• Remain body weight over feet until the ball is released

• Use an up and over action with arm, wrists and fingers

• Picture of learners perform shooting in two, threes, fours 

Techniques of landing on one foot

• Receive the ball and step with the other foot in any direction

• Pass the ball before being re grounded

• Pivot on the landing foot any number of times side ways

• Lifting the pivot but pass the ball before re ground it

• Jump from the landing foot on to the other and jump again and pass the ball

before being re grounded

• Step with the other foot and jump with releasing the ball before being re grounded

Techniques of landing on both feet

• Receive the ball and land with either foot in any direction any number of times

• Step with either foot in any direction lift the other foot and throw or pass before

being re grounded

• Pass the ball before re grounding the other foot

• Jump from both feet on to either foot and throw the ball before re grounding any

• Step with either foot and jump. It is necessary to pass or shoot before re

grounding either foot

Cool-down activities

Let learners to march on the ground relaxing , arms and legs with moving in different

direction together and raise hands according to teacher’s signals

e. Assessment

Final discussion

Reflect

What do you do to play a fair game?

Connect

What are other conditions that need techniques?

Apply

How will you use learnt techniques and in your life to serve the society

Lesson 2: Netball techniques of defense

a. Prerequisites

Learners will learn better this lesson if they can perform netball skills adhering to basic

rules of attack.

b. Teaching resources

Playground, teaching room, whistles, stop watch, balls, cones, chasubles, ring

c. Introduction

Opening discussions

 Ask questions related to netball techniques of defense

Warm-up activities

Let learners make two rows and perform exercises of activating the body by jogging

around the ground with maintaining a medium speed. Warming up specifically with

balls in groups. Ask one of them to lead systematic stretching exercises.

d. Lesson development

This lesson comprises netball techniques of defense

For each technique:

• Show learners how to execute the basic skills

• Let learners to practice based on instructions, materials and provide necessary

support

• Let learners discuss on rules and you provide correct explanations

• Control how learners perform netball techniques of defense in a game situation

adhering to rules.

Basic techniques in defense

• Turning half with right foot forward-defender’s back towards the attacker

• Intercept the ball with half foot forward defenders faces the attacker

• Defending facing the attacker

• Timing the jump while elbow is lowered and jump before the ball is pushed

Basic techniques of intercepting the ball

• Watching the ball closely from the time it leaves the thrower’s hands

• Paying attention to the opponent and reach out for the ball

• Trust out arms and make interception

Techniques of close marking

• Take position between the ball and the opponent

• Monitor the opponent’s movement and the ball

• Maintain body weight on the balls of the feet- not flat footed

• Make knees slightly flexed

• Make short quick steps according to the opponent movements

• Look at the ball and at the opponent

• Extend hands in the ball direction without body contact

• Take up position one meter away from landing foot of the opponent

• Investigate the shooter’s direction of passing and intercept the ball

Techniques of close marking and interception

• Make a mark close on the opponent

• Stand between the ball and opponent with preventing contact

• Stand with a half turned to face across the opponent the left shoulder cover the

right

• Face in the opposite direction with right shoulder covering the left

• Stand with front foot nearer the opponent, the hind turns slightly away from her/

him

• Keep the weight on the ball of the foot and bending knees ready to move or jump

in an direction 

8.5. Additional information for teachers

Netball Rules

The following is an overview of the rules of the game of netball as outlined in the Official

Netball Rules, published by the International Federation of Netball Associations (IFNA).

 The aim is to provide you with a basic understanding of the rules to be able to play the

game safely and enjoyably.

Please use this section as a reference to answer any questions you may have about

umpiring decisions. If you’re still not sure, please ask one of our umpires on your match

night.

The team

Teams shall consist of 7 players. There must be at least 5 players, one of whom must

play centre, to enable the fixture to go ahead.

Substitutions

Substitutions can only be made at half time or when a player is injured. There is no limit

to the number of substitutions that a team can make.

If you start a match with 5 or 6 players but more members of your team arrive after the

game has started, they must wait until the next centre pass before being allowed to

join the game.

Playing positions and their roles on the court

There are seven playing positions in a team. Each has an important role to play for their 

team:

Goal Shooter (GS): To score goals and to work in and around the circle with the GA

Goal Attack (GA): To feed and work with GS and to score goals

Wing Attack (WA): To feed the circle players giving them shooting opportunities

Centre (C): To take the centre pass and to link the defense and the attack

Wing Defense (WD): To look for interceptions and prevent the WA from feeding the

circle

Goal Defense (GD): To win the ball and reduce the effectiveness of the GA

Goal Keeper (GK) : To work with the GD and to prevent the GA/GS from scoring goals

Netball playing position

Starting the game – centre pass

The first centre pass is decided between the two captains by the toss of a coin. The

centre passes then alternate between the teams, regardless of which team has scored.

Before the whistle, all players must start in the goal thirds except the two centers.

The centre with the ball must be wholly within the centre circle and must obey the

footwork rule after the whistle has been blown. The opposing centre stands anywhere

within the centre third and is free to move.

After the whistle the centre pass must be caught or touched by a player standing in or

landing wholly within the centre third.

A player must not break at the centre pass, which is moving into the centre third before

the whistle is blown for the centre pass.

A free pass would be awarded to the opposing team in any of these instances above.

Players must get onside quickly at the centre pass. The centre with the ball must hurry

back to the centre circle and step straight in. If she waits for her players to get back

onside, this is called “delaying play”.

This would result in the Centre receiving a caution, a penalty being given and advanced

up the court.

Footwork in the centre circle

The footwork rule still applies in the centre circle. As soon as the centre steps into the

circle, their leading leg becomes their landing foot and the footwork rule then applies.

That is, if they lift or move their landing foot and place it back down again, a free pass

will be awarded to the opposing team due to footwork.

The umpire will blow the whistle to start play once the centre has placed one foot

wholly in the circle.

Offside rule

A player with or without the ball cannot move into an area of the court that is not

designated for their position.

This will result in a free pass being awarded to the opposing team.

Footwork

A player can receive the ball:

• with both feet grounded or jump to catch the ball and land on two feet

simultaneously. You may then take a step in any direction with one foot (but not

both) and pivot on the spot with the other foot. Once one foot is moved, the

other is considered to be the landing foot.

• with one foot grounded or jump to catch the ball and land on one foot. The

landing foot cannot be moved, other than to pivot on the spot, while the other

foot can be moved in any direction. Once the landing foot is lifted, it must not be

re-grounded until the ball is released. Hopping or dragging the landing foot is not

allowed.

If you break the footwork rule, a free pass will be awarded to the opposing team.

Obstruction

A player attempting to intercept or defend the ball must be at least 0.9m (3feets) away

from the player with the ball. This distance is measured from the landing foot of the

player in possession of the ball. The defender may jump to intercept or defend the ball

from this 0.9m (3feets) feet distance but you must ensure if you do jump to defend

a ball, you don’t land any nearer that 3ft or this is obstruction (i.e. shortening your

distance).

A penalty pass will be awarded if you obstruct a player as described above.

Obstruction of a player not in possession of the ball

Your arms can be outstretched when you are marking your player off the ball if you are

trying to:

• To catch, deflect or intercept a pass

• To obtain a rebound from an unsuccessful shot at goal

• Momentarily signal for a pass or indicate the intended direction of movement

These instances are not classed as obstruction but you will be penalized if you mark a

player with your arms out or potentially if you stand under the post with your arms up

while waiting for a rebound (although the umpire may choose to play advantage if the

opposition aren’t being impeded).

Contact and Contest

‘When attacking, defending or playing the ball, opposing players may come into physical

contact with each other. Provided the players do not interfere with each other’s play

or use their bodies to gain an unfair advantage over their opponent, it is deemed to be

‘contest’ and play continues. ‘Contact’ occurs when a player’s actions interfere with an

opponent’s play whether these are accidental or deliberate.

Interference may occur in the following ways:

• Physical contact using any part of the body to limit an opponent’s ability to move

freely (this includes, but is not limited to, pushing, tripping, holding or leaning on

an opponent).

• Knocking or hitting a player including when shooting for goal

• Placing hand/s on the ball held by an opponent

• Hitting the ball held by an opponent or removing it from an opponent’s possession

• While holding the ball, pushing it into an opponent

A player causes contact by:

• Landing in a place already occupied by an opponent before the movement began

• Moving into the path of an opponent who’s committed to a particular landing

space

Generally, an attacker is moving into a space to receive the ball and a defender is drawn

into causing contact when trying to intercept. If the attacker was in that space first, the

decision goes their way and against the defender. A defender must be able to intercept

the ball cleanly.

However, no contact is allowed off the ball. This includes attackers pushing off, backing

into or pushing through a defender to get into space to receive the ball. If the defender

was in that space first, then the decision goes their way and against the attacker.

Inevitable contact is described as:

• Player/s, whether moving or stationary, may not position so closely to an opponent that this player is unable to move without contacting.

 Simultaneous contact is described as:

• If two opposing players contact simultaneously a toss up is taken between the

two players concerned.

The umpire’s role is to watch the game and determine what is ‘contact’ and what is

‘contest’ . It may not always seem obvious to you as a player why a particular decision

has been made or why advantage has been played but please respect the decisions that

they make.

If interference occurs, the umpire will state:

• which player the penalty is against;

• that a penalty pass has been awarded to the opposition.

The umpire should stand at the position at the side of the court where they want the

penalty to be taken from. If you’re ever unsure where to take the penalty from, you

need to look at the positioning of the umpire for guidance.

Failure to set the penalty correctly in this way will result in a reversal of the penalty and

a free pass to the opposing team.

A lot of contact disrupts the flow of the game. It also puts your team at a tactical

disadvantage because when a player is taken out of play on a penalty, they are not able

to contribute to the team’s defense. It’s far better to pull out of a challenge if you think

you’re going to contact the player and concentrate on defending the next pass instead.

Penalties against a player

The infringer must stand out of play. This means the infringer must:

• Move quickly to the position indicated;

• Stand beside but away from the player taking the penalty so as not to impede

that player;

• Remain in this position and not move or take any part in play (including verbal

comments) until the ball has been released.

Once the player taking the penalty pass is in the correct position, the player may choose

either to play the ball immediately or to wait for the infringer to stand out of play. If the

player chooses to play the ball immediately:

• The infringer may not take part in play until the ball has been released or make

any attempt to intercept the penalty pass;

• The penalty pass will be retaken if the infringer interferes with it.

Please observe the above rule if a penalty is given against you!

Taking free passes and penalties

You have 3 seconds from setting the free pass/penalty in which to take it. If you decide

that another player would be better taking it, you must place the ball back on the floor.

Do not walk towards the other player to pass it to them (footwork) or hand it to them

(short pass).

Any player allowed in that area may take the free pass/penalty.

Shooting

Only the GS and GA are able to score goals for your team. They must be wholly inside

the goal circle to shoot.

Throw in

The ball is thrown back into play from the point where it went off the court. It is out of

court when it contacts anything outside the court area (except the goalpost).

When taking a throw in, a player places her foot up to but not on the sideline or backline

of the court. The lines are part of the court. If any part of your foot is touching the line

or you step into the court in the process of taking the throw in, this is deemed to be a

foul throw. At least one foot must be within 15cm of the line though.

This includes walking on the court to pass the ball to another player if you decide that

they should take the throw in. In this instance, you should leave the ball on the floor

outside the court for the player to then pick up.

You have 3 seconds from when you take up your position at the side of the court in

which to throw the ball.

You must also wait until all players are back on the court before taking the throw in.

If any of the above occurs, a throw in to the opposing team will be awarded.

Over a third

The ball cannot be thrown over a complete third of the court without being

touched or caught by a player (i.e. it cannot cross two transverse lines).

A free pass shall be taken from the area where the ball crossed the second transverse

line (i.e. where the ball shouldn’t have been).

Replayed ball

A player may not replay the ball. Specifically you can’t:

• Lose control of the ball and pick it up again if it has not been touched by another

player;

• Catch a rebound from a shot on goal if the ball has not touched the post or

another player;

• Toss the ball into the air and catch it again without it being touched by another

player.

Jewellery

Players must remove all jewellery before the start of a match to avoid injury to you as a

player and your opposition. This rule includes all ear piercings, including piercings high

on the ear lobe. Covering piercings up with a plaster is not adequate!

The only exception is a wedding band or a medical alert bracelet which can be worn but

must be taped up.

Failure to remove jewellery will result in a player not being allowed on court.

Nails

Nails must be kept short. As a guideline, nails should be no longer than 1mm long and

should not be seen from the underside of the finger. This is to protect other players

from injury.

This is not a popular rule but it will be strictly enforced to avoid any unnecessary injuries

occurring to players taking part in the league.

Players will not be allowed to start a match with long nails.

Guidelines on enforcing the rules

Although we’re all out to have some fun playing netball, unfortunately there are rules

of the game that we need to stick to.!

For the first week or two, the umpires may be lenient and give you a second chance

to correct a technical fault (such as stepping onto the court as you take a throw in),

instead of giving the free pass to the opposing team. Umpires will also explain any

decisions that you don’t understand if you ask them politely, although they may ask

you to wait until half or full time to allow them to concentrate fully on the game being

played.

The rules will be followed more closely as the league progresses and as you all progress

as players. The exception to this are rules which affect players’ safety, such as contact

and obstruction, which will be enforced from the start of the league.

8.6 . End unit assessment

• Organize netball competitions between teams and assess learners’ abilities to

apply techniques Let them refereeing the match and observe the respect of

netball rules.

8.7. Additional activities

• Reduce rules for slow learners and allow them to play the ball regular

• Organize competitions between small groups and choose their own referees

• Organize competition between classes, forming school teams and participate in

interschool competitions and refereeing matches.