PAGE 1: How we will learn OVERVIEW ======== Netball is a team game in which players pass a ball and try to keep it moving together. In this sub-strand you will discuss and perform the chest pass, the overhead pass and the double-handed catch. You will collect reusable materials and make a ball with the macramé technique, using the overhand knot. You will play a Mini-Netball game safely and talk fairly about your own skills and those of your classmates. ## Strand 1.0: Creating and Executing Sub-strand 1.2: Netball Suggested lessons: 15 ## What this sub-strand covers • Passes (chest, overhead) • Catching (double handed) • Macramé technique (overhand knot) • Macramé ## Source • KICD Grade 4 Creative Arts Curriculum Design (Revised 2024) — Strand 1.0 Creating and Executing, Sub-strand 1.2 Netball ## Learning outcomes By the end of the sub-strand, the learner should be able to: a) discuss the skills of passing and catching in Netball b) make a ball using macramé technique c) perform the skills of passing, and catching in Netball d) appreciate Netball as a team game for enjoyment ## Key inquiry questions 1. Why are the skills of passing and catching important in a Netball game? 2. Why is it necessary to improvise a netball? ## Learning experiences • watch a virtual or live Netball game and identify passes and catching skills • demonstrate passing (chest and overhead) and catching (double- handed) skills • collect reusable materials and improvise balls using macramé technique (overhand knot) • practise passing (chest and overhead) and catching (double- handed) skills • play a Mini-Netball game applying the skills of (passing and catching) while observing safety • talk about own and others’ skills in Netball game ## Core competencies • Creativity and Imagination: The learner explores varied materials when improvising balls. • Learning to learn: The learner watches a Netball game to learn the netball skills through demonstration and practise. ## Values • Social justice: The learner demonstrates fairness as they take turns in practising the netball skills of shooting, catching and passing. • Responsibility: The learner takes the initiative to clean the working area and store the balls in an improvised storage. • Unity: the learner works together with peers when painting, improvising a ball and performing the Netball skills of catching and passing. ## Pertinent and contemporary issues • Resource mobilisation and utilisation: The learner collects locally available materials to improvise a netball. • Self-esteem: The learner displays confidence in demonstrating new skills through practice and playing a Netball game. ## Links to other learning areas • Mathematics: The learner takes part in passing the Netball to a team-mate while applying ball trajectory visualisation. PAGE 2: Lesson 1: Why passing and catching matter in Netball — Passing LESSON 1: WHY PASSING AND CATCHING MATTER IN NETBALL ==================================================== ## What you will learn • Describe what a pass and a catch are in Netball. • Explain why passing and catching keep a team playing together. • Identify chest passes, overhead passes and double-handed catches while watching a game. Curriculum outcomes: a) discuss the skills of passing and catching in Netball; d) appreciate Netball as a team game for enjoyment ## Introduction In Netball the ball must keep moving from player to player. A team that can pass accurately and catch safely stays in the game and enjoys it together. ## Notes Netball is a team ball game played by two teams. Players move the ball by throwing it to a teammate. They do not run or walk while the ball is in their hands. The team with the ball tries to move it towards the goal. The other team tries to intercept a pass or collect a loose ball. ### Passing A pass is a throw to a teammate. This sub-strand teaches two passes: - The **chest pass** starts at the chest. It is a short, quick pass that travels almost straight. - The **overhead pass** starts above the head. It can go over a player who is standing in the way, then come down towards a teammate. A good pass arrives near the teammate's chest, where it is easiest to catch. It is firm enough to arrive, but not so hard that it hurts. PAGE 3: Lesson 1: Why passing and catching matter in Netball — Why these skills are important ### Catching A catch is a safe way of receiving the ball and keeping hold of it. You will use a **double-handed catch**, which means both hands take the ball. If the ball is dropped, the other team often gets it. A safe catch keeps your own team playing. ### Why these skills are important - The rules do not allow a player to run with the ball, so passing is the way the ball travels up the court. - Every player can touch the ball. One person does not keep it alone. - Accurate passes and soft catches stop the ball hitting someone's face or rolling into a dangerous place. - The game is more enjoyable when the team keeps the ball moving. ### What to look for in a game Watch a live game or a video with your teacher. Each time the ball is thrown, ask: Was that a chest pass or an overhead pass? Did the receiver use two hands? Did the ball arrive at the chest? Name the skill quietly before you write it down. ## Key words • pass — a throw of the ball from one player to a teammate • catch — receiving the ball and keeping hold of it • chest pass — a pass pushed out from the chest in a nearly straight line • overhead pass — a pass thrown from above the head, often over a defender ## Worked examples ### Example 1 A player catches the ball and starts to run towards the goal. What is wrong, and what should the player do instead? Working: 1. In Netball a player must not run or walk with the ball. 2. The ball moves by being passed. Answer: The player should stop and pass to a teammate. ## Worked examples ### Example 2 During a video, the ball is thrown from above the passer's head and comes down to a teammate. Which pass is it? Working: 1. A chest pass starts at the chest and travels almost straight. 2. A pass that starts above the head is an overhead pass. Answer: An overhead pass. ## Activity: Watch and name the skills You will need: A live Mini-Netball demonstration or a short Netball video, Exercise book, Pencil 1. Watch a live or recorded Netball game with the class. 2. Each time the ball is thrown, decide whether it is a chest pass or an overhead pass. 3. Notice whether the receiver catches with two hands or drops the ball. 4. In pairs, list three reasons passing and catching matter in the game. 5. Share one reason with the class. PAGE 4: Lesson 2: The chest pass ## Practice 1. Name the two passes you will learn in Netball. 2. What is a double-handed catch? 3. Give two reasons why passing and catching are important in Netball. ## Answers to practice 1. The chest pass and the overhead pass. 2. A catch made with both hands. 3. Any two: players must not run with the ball, so passing moves it; a catch keeps the ball for the team; everyone can join in; safe passes prevent injury; the game is more enjoyable. ## Summary • Netball players move the ball by passing, not by running with it. • The two passes in this sub-strand are the chest pass and the overhead pass. • A double-handed catch uses both hands and helps the team keep the ball. LESSON 2: THE CHEST PASS ======================== ## What you will learn • Describe the body position for a chest pass. • Perform a chest pass to a partner's chest. • Correct a chest pass that is too high or too weak. Curriculum outcomes: a) discuss the skills of passing and catching in Netball; c) perform the skills of passing, and catching in Netball ## Introduction The chest pass is the pass you will use most often. It is quick, and a teammate who is ready can catch it easily because it travels almost in a straight line. ## Notes Use a chest pass when your teammate is a short distance away and no one is standing right in front of you. The ball starts at the chest and is pushed straight out. PAGE 5: Lesson 2: The chest pass — A pass that goes wrong ### How to perform a chest pass 1. Stand with your feet apart and one foot slightly forward. Bend your knees a little so you are balanced. 2. Hold the ball in both hands at chest height. Spread your fingers on the sides of the ball. Place your thumbs behind the ball, pointing towards each other. 3. Keep your elbows bent and close to your body, not stuck out to the sides. 4. Look at your teammate's chest. That is the target. 5. Step forward onto the front foot and push both arms straight out. 6. Let the ball leave your fingers with a small flick of the wrists. After the throw, your fingers should point at the target. This is the **follow-through**. The path of the ball should be nearly straight, not a high loop. In mathematics you can picture this path as a line from your chest to your teammate's chest. That path is the ball's **trajectory**. ### A pass that goes wrong - If the ball flies at the face, your hands started too high or you looked at the face. Aim at the chest and push straight. - If the ball drops at your own feet, you did not step or follow through. Step forward and push more firmly. - If the ball wobbles, one hand pushed harder than the other. Push both hands together. Practise slowly at first. When the ball arrives at your partner's chest most of the time, you can pass a little faster. Always leave enough space between pairs so that balls do not hit other groups. [DIAGRAM] TYPE: svg ALT: A chest pass travels almost straight from chest to chest PAYLOAD: CAPTION: A chest pass travels almost straight from chest to chest [/DIAGRAM] PAGE 6: Lesson 2: The chest pass — Chest pass to a partner ## Key words • follow-through — the movement of the hands after the ball has left them, pointing towards the target • target — the place you aim at, here the teammate's chest • trajectory — the path the ball takes through the air ## Worked examples ### Example 1 Neema's chest pass loops high and her partner has to jump. What should Neema change? Working: 1. A chest pass should travel almost straight. 2. The hands start at chest height and push straight out, with the eyes on the partner's chest. Answer: She should start at chest height, look at her partner's chest and push the ball straight out, not upwards. ## Worked examples ### Example 2 The ball keeps falling just in front of Juma's feet. Which part of the pass is missing? Working: 1. A weak pass often has no step and no follow-through. 2. Stepping forward and pointing the fingers at the target sends the ball further. Answer: The step forward and the follow-through. ## Activity: Chest pass to a partner You will need: One ball or improvised ball for each pair, Open space marked so pairs are apart 1. Face a partner about three long steps away. 2. Show the grip: fingers spread, thumbs behind the ball, elbows in. 3. Pass ten chest passes, aiming at the chest each time. 4. After each pass, the receiver says 'chest' if the ball arrived at the chest, or 'high' or 'low' if it did not. 5. Swap roles and tell your partner one thing to keep and one thing to change. PAGE 7: Lesson 3: The overhead pass — How to perform an overhead pass ## Practice 1. Where should you look when you make a chest pass? 2. Where are the thumbs placed on the ball for a chest pass? 3. What does follow-through mean in a chest pass? 4. Why should the elbows stay close to the body? ## Answers to practice 1. At the teammate's chest. 2. Behind the ball, pointing towards each other. 3. After the ball leaves the hands, the fingers point towards the target. 4. So both hands push the ball straight to the target. Elbows stuck out make the pass wobble. ## Summary • Hold the ball at chest height with fingers spread and thumbs behind it. • Step forward, push both arms out and follow through towards the chest. • The chest-pass trajectory is nearly a straight line. LESSON 3: THE OVERHEAD PASS =========================== ## What you will learn • Describe when an overhead pass is more useful than a chest pass. • Perform an overhead pass that comes down towards a teammate's chest. • Keep the pass safe for the receiver. Curriculum outcomes: a) discuss the skills of passing and catching in Netball; c) perform the skills of passing, and catching in Netball ## Introduction Sometimes a classmate stands between you and the person you want to pass to. An overhead pass sends the ball on a higher path, over that player, and down to your teammate. ## Notes The overhead pass uses both hands, like the chest pass, but the ball starts above the head. Its trajectory is a higher curve. It rises as it leaves your hands and comes down towards the receiver. ### How to perform an overhead pass 1. Hold the ball in both hands just above and slightly in front of your head. 2. Spread your fingers. Bend your elbows a little. Do not lock them straight before you throw. 3. Look past the player in front of you to your teammate. 4. Step forward and stretch both arms forward. Release the ball so that it travels forward and slightly downwards towards the teammate's chest. 5. Follow through. Your fingers finish pointing towards the target. PAGE 8: Lesson 3: The overhead pass — Example 1 ### When to choose it Choose an overhead pass when a defender is close and a chest pass would hit that defender's body. Choose a chest pass when the path is clear and the teammate is near. A high pass to a teammate who is very close can drop onto the head, so use a softer chest pass instead. ### Safety - Never aim at the face. - Call your teammate's name so they know the ball is coming. - If the space is crowded, pass more gently. - Stop the drill if the ground is slippery or if someone is not looking. ### Working fairly Take turns receiving the overhead pass. If you are taller, do not throw harder just to show off. A good pass is one the receiver can catch. ## Key words • defender — a player from the other team who tries to stop a pass • curve — a bent path; the overhead pass rises and then comes down ## Worked examples ### Example 1 A defender is standing one step in front of Achieng. Her teammate is free behind the defender. Which pass should she use, and why? Working: 1. A chest pass would hit the defender. 2. An overhead pass can travel over the defender. Answer: An overhead pass, because it can go over the defender to the free teammate. ## Worked examples ### Example 2 Musa's overhead pass lands on his partner's head. What should he change? Working: 1. The ball should come down towards the chest. 2. He may be releasing it downwards too late, or the partner is too close. Answer: He should release the ball so it comes down towards the chest, or use a chest pass if the partner is very close. ## Activity: Pass over a defender You will need: One ball for each group of three, Open space 1. In threes, two learners stand about four long steps apart and the third stands in the middle as a defender. 2. The passer sends an overhead pass over the defender to the receiver's chest. 3. The defender may reach up but must not push anyone. 4. Rotate so each person passes, catches and defends. 5. Talk about which passes were catchable and which were too high. PAGE 9: Lesson 3: The overhead pass — Answers to practice ## Practice 1. Where is the ball held at the start of an overhead pass? 2. When is an overhead pass a better choice than a chest pass? 3. Where should an overhead pass arrive? ## Answers to practice 1. Above and slightly in front of the head, in both hands. 2. When a defender is close and the ball needs to go over that player. 3. Towards the teammate's chest, not on the head or face. ## Summary • An overhead pass starts above the head and follows a higher curve. • Use it to pass over a defender. • Still aim at the chest and keep the pass safe. LESSON 4: THE DOUBLE-HANDED CATCH ================================= ## What you will learn • Show the ready position and the W shape of the hands. • Catch a chest pass and an overhead pass with both hands. • Explain how soft hands stop the ball bouncing away. Curriculum outcomes: a) discuss the skills of passing and catching in Netball; c) perform the skills of passing, and catching in Netball ## Introduction A strong pass is wasted if the receiver drops it. The double-handed catch gives you two hands, soft fingers and a steady body so the ball stays with your team. ## Notes Double-handed means both hands work together. One hand is not enough for the passes you are learning, because the ball arrives with some force. ### Ready position - Feet apart, about the width of your shoulders. - Knees bent, weight on the front part of the feet so you can move. - Eyes on the passer. - Hands up in front of the chest before the ball is thrown. Do not wait until the ball is already at your body. ### The hands Spread the fingers. Bring the thumbs and index fingers close so they make a **W** shape. Palms face the ball. The W faces the passer. This shape makes a pocket for the ball. PAGE 10: Lesson 4: The double-handed catch — Key words ### Cushioning the catch 1. Watch the ball all the way into your hands. 2. Reach towards it. 3. As it arrives, let your arms bend and draw the ball into your chest. These are **soft hands**. Stiff arms make the ball bounce out. 4. Close your fingers around the ball. 5. Stop. Do not run with it. Look for a teammate and pass. If the ball is high, reach up with both hands, still in the W shape. If it is low, bend your knees and get both hands under the ball. Do not trap a low ball against the ground with one foot. ### After the catch Land and stop. Pass within three seconds so the game does not stop. Three seconds is a short time: about as long as saying 'one thousand, two thousand, three thousand'. Use that time to look, not to run. ## Key words • double-handed — using both hands together • W shape — the shape made by the thumbs and index fingers when the hands are ready to catch • soft hands — hands and arms that give way as the ball arrives so it does not bounce out • cushion — to absorb the force of the ball by drawing it into the body PAGE 11: Lesson 4: The double-handed catch — Answers to practice ## Worked examples ### Example 1 The ball hits Halima's stiff arms and bounces away. What should she do next time? Working: 1. Stiff arms do not absorb the force. 2. Soft hands draw the ball into the chest. Answer: She should reach early and cushion the ball by drawing it into her chest. ## Worked examples ### Example 2 Kiptoo catches the ball safely, then holds it while he walks four steps. What rule has he broken? Working: 1. A player must not walk or run with the ball. 2. After a catch, the player should stop and pass within three seconds. Answer: He walked with the ball. He should stop and pass within three seconds. ## Activity: Catch, cushion, pass back You will need: One ball for each pair, Open space 1. Stand in the ready position and show your partner the W shape. 2. Your partner sends a gentle chest pass. Catch it with two hands and draw it into your chest. 3. Pass it back within three seconds. 4. Repeat with a higher overhead pass, reaching up with both hands. 5. Count how many catches you keep out of ten, then swap the first pass. ## Practice 1. What shape do the thumbs and index fingers make before a catch? 2. What are soft hands? 3. What should you do immediately after a safe catch? ## Answers to practice 1. A W shape. 2. Hands and arms that give way and draw the ball into the chest so it does not bounce out. 3. Stop, look for a teammate and pass within three seconds. Do not run with the ball. ## Summary • Be ready early, with knees bent and eyes on the ball. • Make a W with the hands and cushion the catch into the chest. • After the catch, stop and pass within three seconds. PAGE 12: Lesson 5: The overhand knot and materials for a ball — Tying the overhand knot LESSON 5: THE OVERHAND KNOT AND MATERIALS FOR A BALL ==================================================== ## What you will learn • Tie a firm overhand knot. • Collect safe, reusable materials for an improvised ball. • Explain why a class may need to improvise netballs. Curriculum outcomes: b) make a ball using macramé technique ## Introduction A whole class cannot practise if there is only one ball. Macramé, the craft of knotting, lets you turn scraps of cloth, paper and string into a ball you can pass and catch. ## Notes **Macramé** is a way of making objects by knotting cord, string or strips of cloth. You do not need a needle. The knot you will use is the **overhand knot**. ### Tying the overhand knot 1. Take a strip of cloth or a piece of string. The end you move is the working end. 2. Cross the working end over the rest of the strip to make a loop. 3. Pass the working end through that loop. 4. Hold both sides and pull until the knot is tight and small. 5. Test it. If you can slide it open with a gentle tug, tie it again more tightly. A loose knot will open when the ball is passed. Practise on a strip until you can tie the knot without looking at a diagram. ### Materials to collect Look for things that can be used again: - Clean old cloth, torn into strips about two fingers wide - Clean plastic bags cut into strips, with no food left on them - Sisal twine, wool or string - Newspaper or used exercise paper for the inside of the ball - Scissors, used with the points away from people - A carton or bag to store the finished balls ### Why improvise? Improvising means making what you need from what you have. A bought ball may be too few for every pair. Reusing cloth and paper saves money and keeps useful materials out of the rubbish. The ball must still be safe: do not hide stones, bottle tops, sticks or tins inside it. Those objects can cut a hand or hit a face. Ask before you cut clothing that someone still wears. Torn scraps and packaging are the right materials. [DIAGRAM] TYPE: svg ALT: Three steps of the overhand knot PAYLOAD: CAPTION: Three steps of the overhand knot [/DIAGRAM] PAGE 13: Lesson 5: The overhand knot and materials for a ball — Example 1 ## Key words • macramé — a craft in which objects are made by knotting cord or strips • overhand knot — a knot made by passing the working end through a loop and pulling it tight • improvise — to make what you need from materials you already have ## Worked examples ### Example 1 Put the overhand knot in order: pull tight, make a loop, pass the end through the loop. Working: 1. First the strip must cross to make a loop. 2. Then the end goes through the loop. 3. Last, both sides are pulled. Answer: Make a loop, pass the end through the loop, pull tight. ## Worked examples ### Example 2 Otieno wants to put a small stone in the middle so the ball is heavy. Why is that a poor idea? Working: 1. A practice ball is caught with the hands and sometimes hits the body. 2. A stone is hard and can injure someone. Answer: A stone can injure a hand or a face. The inside should be paper or soft cloth only. ## Activity: Collect materials and tie the knot You will need: Strips of clean cloth or string, Scissors, A bag for collected scraps, Newspaper 1. In groups, collect clean reusable cloth, paper and string. Do not cut clothes that are still in use. 2. Each learner ties five overhand knots on a strip and asks a partner to test that they do not slide open. 3. Sort materials into 'soft inside', 'strips for covering' and 'not safe'. 4. Put anything sharp or dirty aside and explain why it cannot go inside a ball. ## Practice 1. What is macramé? 2. List the three steps of an overhand knot. 3. Name two safe materials for the inside of an improvised ball, and one material that must not be used. 4. Give one reason for improvising a netball. PAGE 14: Lesson 6: Making a ball with the macramé technique — Steps ## Answers to practice 1. A craft of making objects by knotting cord, string or strips of cloth. 2. Make a loop, pass the working end through the loop, and pull tight. 3. Safe: newspaper and soft cloth. Not safe: any one of stone, tin, stick or bottle top. 4. Any one: so more learners can practise, to reuse materials, to save money, or to learn macramé. ## Summary • An overhand knot is a loop with the end passed through and pulled tight. • Collect clean cloth, paper and string. Leave out anything hard or sharp. • Improvising a ball lets more people practise and reuses materials. LESSON 6: MAKING A BALL WITH THE MACRAMÉ TECHNIQUE ================================================== ## What you will learn • Build a round, soft core and cover it with knotted strips. • Test that the ball is safe to pass and catch. • Clean the working area and store the balls. Curriculum outcomes: b) make a ball using macramé technique ## Introduction Today the knots you practised become a ball. A good improvised ball is round, soft enough to catch, and tied so firmly that it does not fall apart in a pass. ## Notes Work with a partner so one person can hold the core while the other ties. Share the strips fairly. ### Steps 1. **Make the core.** Crumple newspaper or scrap cloth into a round shape you can hold in two hands at chest height. Squeeze it. If it feels hollow, add more paper. 2. **Wrap the core.** Wind strips around it in one direction, then in another direction, the way lines go around a ball. The core should no longer show. 3. **Tie overhand knots.** Each time a strip meets another, tie an overhand knot and pull it tight. Start with a strip around the middle, then add strips that cross it. 4. **Cover the surface.** Keep wrapping and knotting until the ball looks even. Tuck short ends under a knot so nothing flaps. 5. **Test.** Drop the ball gently into your two hands. It should stay round. Press it. There should be no stone-hard lumps. Check that knots do not slip. 6. **Try one pass.** With your partner, make one gentle chest pass. If a strip comes loose, tie it again before you continue. ### Care of the space and the balls Pick up every scrap. A strip left on the ground can trip a runner later. Put the balls in a carton, a sack or a box. That container is your improvised storage. Wash your hands, especially if you used plastic bags that were dusty. ### If the ball is not round A lump on one side means too much paper or cloth is gathered there. Undo one strip, move some of the core, and tie the strip again. Macramé takes patience. A neat ball is safer and easier to catch than a loose bundle. ## Key words • core — the soft inside of the ball, made from paper or cloth • storage — a safe place, such as a box or sack, where the balls are kept after use PAGE 15: Lesson 6: Making a ball with the macramé technique — Example 1 ## Worked examples ### Example 1 A group's ball opens at the first pass and newspaper spills out. What was missed? Working: 1. The covering must be knotted, not only wrapped. 2. Each strip needs a tight overhand knot, and ends must be tucked in. Answer: The overhand knots were too few or too loose. They should retie the strips tightly and tuck in the ends. ## Worked examples ### Example 2 The finished ball is egg-shaped. How can the group fix it before the game? Working: 1. An uneven core makes an uneven ball. 2. Moving some paper and retieing a strip can balance it. Answer: Undo a strip, move some of the core from the lumpy side, wrap it again and tie a firm knot. ## Activity: Knot a practice ball You will need: Newspaper or scrap cloth, Strips of cloth, clean plastic or string, Scissors, A carton for storage 1. In pairs, build a soft round core and cover it with strips. 2. Tie overhand knots wherever strips cross, and tuck in loose ends. 3. Test the ball with one gentle chest pass. 4. Repair any slip or lump. 5. Clean the floor and store the balls in a carton or sack. ## Practice 1. What should the core of the ball be made from? 2. When do you tie the overhand knots while making the ball? 3. Give two checks that show the ball is ready to use. 4. Why must the working area be cleaned and the balls stored? PAGE 16: Lesson 6: Making a ball with the macramé technique — Answers to practice ## Answers to practice 1. Crumpled newspaper or soft scrap cloth, not stones or tins. 2. Whenever strips meet or cross, and around the ball until the covering stays on. 3. Any two: it is round, it has no hard lumps, the knots do not slip, loose ends are tucked in, it survives a gentle chest pass. 4. Scraps can trip people, and stored balls stay clean and ready for the next lesson. ## Summary • Build a soft round core, wrap it, and lock the strips with overhand knots. • Test with a gentle pass and repair loose knots. • Clean the space and store the balls in a box or sack. LESSON 7: PRACTISING PASSING AND CATCHING ========================================= ## What you will learn • Perform chest passes, overhead passes and double-handed catches in a drill. • Aim using the trajectory of each pass. • Take turns fairly and pass at a speed the receiver can catch. Curriculum outcomes: a) discuss the skills of passing and catching in Netball; c) perform the skills of passing, and catching in Netball ## Introduction Skills become reliable only when you repeat them. A short, fair practice with a partner will show you which pass you can already control and which one still needs work. ## Notes Set pairs about three long steps apart for chest passes. Move one step further apart for overhead passes. Each pair needs space so that balls do not cross into the next pair. ### A practice order 1. Ten chest passes. Count only the ones caught with two hands at the chest. 2. Ten overhead passes. The receiver reaches up early and cushions the ball. 3. The receiver takes one step to the side. The passer must aim at where the chest is now, not at the empty space. 4. In a group of four, pass around a square. Call the name of the next person before you throw. ### Watching the trajectory Look at the path of the ball, not only at your hands. - A chest pass should look like a straight line from chest to chest. - An overhead pass should rise and then come down. If it keeps rising until it goes over the receiver, you threw too high. Seeing that path helps you change the next pass. This is the same idea as picturing a line or a curve before you draw it. PAGE 17: Lesson 7: Practising passing and catching — Example 1 ### Fair practice Take turns starting the drill. If your partner drops several passes, throw more gently instead of laughing. Tell them one clear change, such as 'hands up earlier' or 'make the W shape'. Social justice in this game means each person gets the same number of passes. ### Safety Use the balls you made, or a soft class ball. Check the ground for stones and holes. Tie shoelaces. Stop if the ball hits anyone above the shoulders and change the aim before you continue. ## Key words • drill — a repeated practice of one skill • square pass — a group practice in which the ball is passed around four players ## Worked examples ### Example 1 Out of 10 chest passes, a pair completes 4 catches. The ball often arrives at the receiver's knees. What should the passer change? Working: 1. The target is the chest. 2. A pass to the knees is aimed too low or has too little follow-through. Answer: The passer should look at the chest, step forward and follow through so the ball travels straight to the chest. ## Worked examples ### Example 2 One learner takes every overhead pass and never moves to receive. How can the group make the drill fair? Working: 1. Fair practice gives each person the same turns. 2. The group can count passes for each receiver and then swap. Answer: Give each learner the same number of passes and catches, and swap roles. PAGE 18: Lesson 7: Practising passing and catching — Answers to practice ## Activity: Pair and square drills You will need: Improvised or class balls, Open space with pairs spaced apart 1. With a partner, complete ten chest passes and count the successful double-handed catches. 2. Move slightly further apart and complete ten overhead passes. 3. Join another pair and pass around the square, calling the receiver's name. 4. Tell the group one skill you will keep and one you will improve. 5. Collect the balls and return them to storage. ## Practice 1. How is the trajectory of a chest pass different from the trajectory of an overhead pass? 2. Why should you call a teammate's name before you pass? 3. A partner keeps dropping the ball. What is a fair way to help? ## Answers to practice 1. The chest pass is nearly a straight line. The overhead pass rises and then comes down. 2. So the receiver knows the ball is coming and can get both hands ready. 3. Pass more gently and give one clear tip, such as getting the hands up earlier. Do not laugh or take their turn. ## Summary • Practise chest passes, overhead passes and catches in pairs, then in a square. • Use the trajectory to judge whether the next pass should be straighter or lower. • Share the turns and match the speed of the pass to the receiver. LESSON 8: MINI-NETBALL AND TALKING ABOUT OUR SKILLS =================================================== ## What you will learn • Play a Mini-Netball game using only the passes and the catch you have learned. • Follow safety and fair-play rules. • Talk kindly about your own skill and a classmate's skill. Curriculum outcomes: c) perform the skills of passing, and catching in Netball; d) appreciate Netball as a team game for enjoyment ## Introduction A game is where the separate skills join up. Mini-Netball uses a smaller team and a simple target so that everyone spends the time passing and catching. PAGE 19: Lesson 8: Mini-Netball and talking about our skills — Talking about skills ## Notes Mini-Netball is a smaller version of the game. You do not need a full court or a goal ring. You need a clear space, two teams and one ball. ### Setting up - Mark a playing area free of stones, holes and bags. - Make two teams of about four or five players. - Choose one ball. Check the knots if it is an improvised ball. - Agree the rules before the first pass. ### Rules for this game 1. Start with a chest pass from the middle. 2. Use only a chest pass or an overhead pass. 3. Catch with both hands. 4. Do not run or walk with the ball. Stop, then pass. 5. Release the ball within three seconds. 6. If the ball is dropped or goes out of the area, the other team passes it in from the side. 7. A team scores one point when it makes five catches in a row without a drop. 8. Do not push, hold a player's clothing or throw at the face. 9. After a few minutes, stop, rest and let the other team start the next turn. ### Safety Keep bags off the playing area. Pass only when the receiver is looking. If two people reach for a loose ball, both should pull back rather than bump heads. Tell the teacher if someone is hurt. ### Talking about skills When the game ends, each learner speaks once. Use this pattern: - 'I did well at…' - 'I will practise…' - 'I noticed that…' and name a classmate's successful pass or catch. Speak about the skill, not about the person being 'bad' at the game. Enjoyment matters. Netball is a way to move, to cooperate and to share a ball. A team can enjoy the game even when it does not score the most points. Store the balls, pick up markers and leave the space as you found it. ## Key words • Mini-Netball — a small-sided Netball game that uses simple rules so players can practise passing and catching • fair play — following the rules and treating every player with respect ## Worked examples ### Example 1 A team has made four catches in a row. The fifth pass is dropped. What is the score for that run of passes, and who gets the ball? Working: 1. A point needs five catches in a row. 2. A dropped ball goes to the other team. Answer: That run does not score a point. The other team passes the ball in. PAGE 20: Lesson 8: Mini-Netball and talking about our skills — Answers to practice ## Worked examples ### Example 2 After the game, a learner says, 'You are useless at catching.' How should feedback be given instead? Working: 1. Talk about the skill in a kind way. 2. A useful comment names what to practise. Answer: Say something like, 'The catch was dropped because the hands were late. Hands up earlier will help.' ## Activity: Play and talk You will need: One ball, Markers for the playing area, Space cleared of obstacles 1. Make two small teams and agree the Mini-Netball rules, including five catches for a point. 2. Play, using chest passes, overhead passes and double-handed catches only. 3. Observe safety: no running with the ball, no pushing, no throws at the face. 4. Stop, store the ball and sit together. 5. Each learner names one personal success, one skill to practise and one classmate's good action. ## Practice 1. How does a team score one point in this Mini-Netball game? 2. Name three rules that keep Mini-Netball safe and fair. 3. Why is Netball called a team game for enjoyment? ## Answers to practice 1. By making five catches in a row without dropping the ball. 2. Any three: no running with the ball, pass within three seconds, catch with two hands, no pushing, do not throw at the face, a dropped ball goes to the other team. 3. Players must pass and catch together. The game gives exercise, cooperation and fun, even when a team does not score the most points. ## Summary • Mini-Netball uses small teams and the skills of passing and catching. • Five catches in a row score one point. A dropped ball goes to the other team. • Talk about skills kindly, store the equipment and enjoy playing together. PAGE 21: Revision quiz REVISION QUIZ ============= Answer all the questions, then mark yourself on the Answers tab. 1. Why are passing and catching important in Netball? 2. Which pass starts at the chest and travels almost straight? A. Overhead pass B. Chest pass C. Bounce pass D. One-handed pass 3. When is an overhead pass the better choice? A. When the teammate is very close and the path is clear B. When the ball must go over a nearby defender C. When you want to run with the ball D. When you are catching 4. What should the hands do as the ball arrives in a double-handed catch? A. Stay stiff so the ball bounces back B. Give way and draw the ball into the chest C. Catch with one hand only D. Push the passer 5. After catching the ball, what must a player not do? 6. What is the correct order for an overhand knot? A. Pull tight, make a loop, pass the end through B. Make a loop, pass the end through, pull tight C. Pass the end through, make a loop, cut the strip D. Make two loops and leave them loose 7. Which material is safe inside an improvised netball? A. A stone B. A bottle top C. Crumpled newspaper D. A short stick 8. Why should strips on a macramé ball be tied with tight overhand knots? 9. What is the trajectory of a good chest pass? A. A high loop over the receiver B. A nearly straight line from chest to chest C. A roll along the ground D. A throw straight up 10. In this Mini-Netball game, when does a team score one point? A. After one catch B. After five catches in a row without a drop C. When a player runs with the ball D. When the ball hits the ground 11. A classmate drops a catch. Which comment is fair? A. You are useless B. Hands up earlier will help the next catch C. Do not play again D. Only tall people should catch 12. Why is Netball worth playing even if your team scores fewer points? PAGE 22: Quiz answers ANSWERS ======= 1. Players must not run with the ball, so passing moves it, and a safe catch keeps it for the team. The ball travels by passes. A dropped catch often gives the ball to the other team. 2. B. Chest pass The chest pass is pushed out from chest height in a nearly straight line. 3. B. When the ball must go over a nearby defender The overhead pass uses a higher curve so it can travel over a defender. 4. B. Give way and draw the ball into the chest Soft hands cushion the ball so it does not bounce out. 5. The player must not run or walk with the ball. The player stops and passes, releasing the ball within three seconds. 6. B. Make a loop, pass the end through, pull tight The working end goes through a loop, then both sides are pulled until the knot is tight. 7. C. Crumpled newspaper The core must be soft. Hard objects can injure a player. 8. So the covering stays on when the ball is passed and caught. A loose knot opens and the core spills out. 9. B. A nearly straight line from chest to chest The chest pass is aimed directly at the teammate's chest. 10. B. After five catches in a row without a drop The target is five successful catches in a row, which rewards passing and catching. 11. B. Hands up earlier will help the next catch Fair talk names the skill to practise and respects the person. 12. It is a team game for enjoyment, exercise and cooperation, not only for winning. The design asks learners to appreciate Netball as a team game for enjoyment.