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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can track my opponent and select and apply 3 stages of defending in a game context.

Key learning points

  1. Move: by making your body as tall and big as possible when marking, you will close down your opponents vision and space.
  2. Move: maintaining quick feet while tracking your opponent is the quickest way to stay with them.
  3. Think: when marking a player, consider where the ball is and what stage (1 -3) of defence is required.
  4. Feel: staying with your opponent and going for an interception requires persistence.
  5. Connect: showing respect for your opponent by maintaining a 3ft distance will avoid giving away a penalty pass.

Keywords

  • Stage 1 defence - tracking the player to prevent them from receiving the ball

  • Stage 2 defence - marking the player with the ball, observing the 3ft obstruction rule

  • Stage 3 defence - restricting and delaying an opponent's movement to get the next pass

  • Interception - regaining possession of the ball from the opposing team during a pass

Common misconception

Each defender can only mark 1 attacker.

Netball positions are paired, however the competitive situation will determine if players swap, if they double mark and which stage of defence they need at that point.

Teacher tip

The lesson focuses on defence, however the activities are ideal for revisiting the attacking skills in previous lessons and we want pupils to see the connection between than all.

Equipment

netball (1 between 4), ideally 2 court spaces, netball posts (4), 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.
What is the maximum number of seconds a GA/GS has to shoot the ball once received?

2
Correct answer: 3
5

Q2.
Which method of landing is used by shooters to keep a defender behind them?

one foot
Correct answer: split
turn

Q3.
What is it called when you gather the ball after an unsuccessful attempt at goal?

shot
Correct answer: rebound
interception

Q4.
Which of the following positions will not be permitted in the defending circle?

Correct answer: WD
GD
GK

4 Questions

Q1.
Which stage of netball defence involves restricting and delaying a player's movement?

stage 1
stage 2
Correct answer: stage 3

Q2.
Which stage of netball defending involves marking the player with the ball to gain an interception?

stage 1
Correct answer: stage 2
stage 3

Q3.
What is it called when you tip or catch the ball to regain possession in netball?

Correct Answer: interception

Q4.
What are you demonstrating by maintaining a 3ft marking distance in netball?

Correct answer: respect
stamina
speed

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