Age Group: Year 10 Girls (14–15 years)
Duration: 60 minutes
Focus Skill: Step Pass
Theme: Control, Timing, and Accuracy

Session Objectives

• To understand and correctly perform the step pass in netball

• To improve body positioning, timing, and movement into space

• To apply the step pass in game-like situations

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Activity: React and Move

• Players jog around the court

• On the coach’s whistle, perform dynamic movements: high knees, side steps, heel flicks

• Introduce light passing with a partner: short chest and bounce passes on the move

Purpose:

• Prepare players physically

• Begin focusing on coordination and timing for passing

2. Introduction to the Step Pass (10 minutes)

Coach-Led Demonstration and Explanation

• Demonstrate correct technique:

  • Stable base (knees slightly bent)

  • Step forward with the opposite foot to the throwing hand

  • Drive the pass forward with full arm extension

Key Coaching Points:

• Footwork: Avoid stepping violations

• Timing: Step and release in rhythm

• Balance: Engage core, use strong follow-through

Purpose:

• Provide visual and verbal guidance

• Establish a clear technical model for students to follow

3. Skill Development Drill (15 minutes)

Activity: Step Pass Through the Gate

• Set up cones in parallel lines 4–5 metres apart to form “gates”

• Pairs stand on either side of each gate

• One player steps forward and passes through the gate, then retreats

• 10 passes each, then swap

Progressions:

• Add movement before the pass (jog in, catch, step pass)

• Introduce passive defenders to increase challenge

Purpose:

• Reinforce proper step pass technique

• Develop timing, accuracy, and communication under gradually increasing pressure

4. Conditioned Game Activity (15 minutes)

Activity: 3v3 Step Pass Challenge

• Small-sided games on a half-court

• Players may only pass using the step pass

• Movement off the ball and quick footwork are encouraged

Rules:

• Rotate players into different groups after each round

• Award points for successful step passes and complete sequences of passes

Purpose:

• Apply the skill in realistic, game-based scenarios

• Encourage decision-making, teamwork, and correct technique under pressure

5. Cool Down and Reflection (10 minutes)

Activity:

• Gentle jogging followed by static stretches (quads, hamstrings, calves, shoulders)

• Guided group discussion or self-reflection

Discussion Prompts:

• What was challenging about the step pass?

• In what game situations might you use it?

• How can you improve your accuracy and power?

Purpose:

• Support recovery and reduce risk of injury

• Encourage reflection to consolidate learning

Assessment Criteria / Success Indicators

• Demonstrates correct step pass footwork and technique

• Pass is accurate, controlled, and consistently delivered to a teammate

• Applies the step pass effectively in practice and game scenarios

Age Group: Key Stage 2 (Years 5–6)
Ability Level: Mixed
Duration: 60 minutes
Topic: Shooting
Learning Objective: To develop accuracy, power, and decision-making when shooting at goal.

Session Breakdown

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Activity: "Traffic Light Dribble and Shoot"

• Children dribble freely around a marked area.

• Coach uses coloured cones or calls out:

  • Red = Stop

  • Yellow = Dribble slowly

  • Green = Dribble fast

• Add mini goals (or cones) around the area. On a whistle, players must shoot into the nearest goal using any foot.

Purpose:

• Raise heart rate and prepare muscles

• Improve ball control and quick decision-making

• Begin introducing shooting in a fun, low-pressure way

2. Technical Practice (15 minutes)

Activity: Shooting Through the Gate

• Set up pairs of cones (gates) 4–6 yards apart as targets.

• Players shoot a stationary ball through the gate from a short distance (5–10 metres).

• Focus on technique:

  • Plant non-kicking foot next to the ball

  • Keep head over the ball

  • Strike with laces (for power) or side foot (for accuracy)

  • Follow through towards the target

Progression:

• Move gates further apart for power

• Add moving ball or passes from a partner before shooting

Purpose:

• Teach proper shooting technique

• Develop control and consistency with both feet

• Help pupils understand when to shoot with power vs. accuracy

3. Small Group Game (15 minutes)

Activity: Shooting Relay Challenge

• Split into teams of 4–5

• Set up shooting stations with a ball and a mini goal or target

• One at a time, players dribble and shoot, then return to the line

• Count how many goals each team scores in a set time

Progression:

• Add a goalkeeper (can be a pupil or coach)

• Use weak foot only for one round

Purpose:

• Encourage repetition in a fun format

• Build confidence in shooting under light pressure

• Promote teamwork and support

4. Conditioned Game (15 minutes)

Activity: Mini Matches with Shooting Zones

• Small-sided games (e.g., 4v4 or 5v5)

• Mark out shooting zones – players must shoot from inside these areas

• Encourage pupils to shoot when in the correct space

Coaching Focus:

• Timing of the shot

• Creating space to shoot

• Shooting after a pass or dribble

Purpose:

• Put shooting into realistic game scenarios

• Develop decision-making and spatial awareness

• Reinforce earlier techniques under match pressure

5. Cool Down and Reflection (5 minutes)

Activity: Gentle jogging, walking, and stretching (calves, hamstrings, quads)
Questions to Ask Pupils:

• What part of the foot did you use when you wanted to shoot with power?

• When is a good time to take a shot in a game?

• How can we make sure we hit the target?

Purpose:

• Physically wind down to prevent injury

• Reinforce learning and allow pupils to reflect on their progress

Assessment / Success Criteria

• Can the pupil strike the ball with accuracy and/or power?

• Are they able to get into good positions to shoot?

• Are they making decisions about when and how to shoot?