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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can receive the ball from a range of angles in open and closed play, and adhere to the footwork rule.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: receiving the ball with correct footwork requires balance when jumping and landing.
      2. Think: knowing which is the landing foot at the time of receiving a ball is essential to not break the footwork rule.
      3. Feel: running confidently and positively on an angle shows determination and effort.
      4. Connect: receiving and sending the ball within 3 seconds requires an awareness of where the ball/players are on court.

      Keywords

      • Footwork rule - the landing foot can not drag, hop, jump or reground when the ball has been received

      • Pivoting - a movement technique that allows a player to rotate on one foot while keeping the other foot grounded

      • Two feet landing - catching the ball and landing with both feet simultaneously. Either foot can then be the landing foot

      • Turning in the air - where a player catches the ball while airborne and rotates their body mid-air to adjust their position before landing

      Common misconception

      A player has to pivot as part of footwork to create space after landing when the ball has been caught.

      Although a pivot may be needed to create space and is permitted, it is better to turn in the air when reveiving the ball so landing is the right position for the next pass.

      Teacher tip

      The lesson focusses on footwork and ball handling, however the possession games are ideal for moderation to showcase the listed skills in challenging and conditioned practices.

      Equipment

      netballs (1 between 6), ideally 2 court space, 30+ cones, 21+ 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 foot cannot move when a pass has been received in a game?

      Correct answer: landing
      back
      front

      Q2.
      Which of the following positions will be permitted to shoot in a game?

      WA
      GD
      Correct answer: GA

      Q3.
      How many players in a team can enter the attacking circle?

      1
      Correct answer: 2
      3

      Q4.
      How many players in your team are allowed in all 3 thirds during a game?

      Correct answer: 1
      2
      3

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      If we land with both feet at the same time what is this called?

      jump stop
      one foot landing
      Correct answer: two feet landing

      Q2.
      How many seconds can a player hold the ball for in a game?

      Correct Answer: 3, three

      Q3.
      According to the footwork rule, which of the following can the landing foot not do?

      Correct answer: drag
      Correct answer: hop
      pivot

      Q4.
      Which is the correct description for a turn in the air?

      rotate on take-off
      Correct answer: rotate when airborne
      rotate when landing

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