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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can communicate ideas and apply skills to defending a centre pass, backline throw in and penalty/free pass situation.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: effective defending involves using a range of travelling and body control skills.
      2. Think: each player has an allocated area on the netball court; stepping into the wrong third or D is considered offside.
      3. Feel: reflecting on your performance enables you to understand the importance of defence across the whole court.
      4. Connect: working with a teammate to be strategic e.g. double marking, will make the game more challenging for opponents.

      Keywords

      • Off side - when a position moves into an area of the court they are not allowed to be in

      • Double marking - when two players choose to mark one play to create a defensive advantage

      • Channel - an imaginary line that divides the court vertically into 3 sections

      Common misconception

      Once a player has released the ball, the defenders' work is done.

      Stage 3 defending can be used to impact the next phase of play.

      Teacher tip

      Add extra attackers or defenders to game scenarios to ensure that the 'focus' cohort has success.

      Equipment

      netball (1 per team), court space, 4 sets of team bibs

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which pass is awarded if footwork has been the infringement?

      Correct answer: free
      penalty
      offside

      Q2.
      Which dead ball situation occurs when the ball leaves the court?

      centre pass
      penalty pass
      Correct answer: throw in

      Q3.
      What is it called when a player stands closer than 3 ft to mark the ball?

      contact
      Correct answer: obstruction
      tip

      Q4.
      Which stage of netball defence is used on the transverse line at the start of a centre pass?

      Correct answer: stage 1
      stage 2
      stage 3

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      How many channels does a netball court have?

      1
      2
      Correct answer: 3

      Q2.
      Which player would be offside in the D?

      GK
      GD
      Correct answer: WD

      Q3.
      What is it called when 2 players mark the same opponent?

      Correct Answer: Double marking

      Q4.
      Which area of the centre third is ideal to force the GA and WA into when defending a centre pass?

      Correct Answer: Middle, centre

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Defensive set plays, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...