Netball Activity Guide
Activity Overview
Netball in Key Stage 2 PE introduces pupils to key ball skills such as passing, catching and shooting, whilst developing an understanding of space and teamwork. Early lessons typically focus on accurate chest and bounce passes, secure catching, controlled movement and safe landing, and simple shooting techniques using lowered or adapted hoops. As pupils progress through the key stage, they begin to apply these skills in small-sided games. Learning outcomes include learning how to move into space, use passing options effectively, defend a player, and follow basic positional rules. Common KS2 activities include passing circuits, shooting stations, movement-and-receive drills and 4v4 or 5v5 games that keep play manageable and inclusive.
Below you’ll find key information on Netball and and a range of free downloadable teaching resources suitable for teaching Netball confidently throughout Key Stage 2.
Key Netball Information
Age Range
Netball is taught to children in Key Stages 1 and 2 through our Attack Defend Shoot and Netball units.
❌ Foundation/Reception
✅ Key Stage 1
✅ Key Stage 2
Netball Rules
Our netball rules guide is a comprehensive list of the gameplay rules for netball at Key Stage 2. To aid printing we've made this available as a downloadable PDF file.
Netball Glossary
Our netball glossary provides a comprehensive guide to the naming conventions and terms used in Primary PE / KS2 Netball. This glossary is available as a downloadable PDF file.
Free Netball Lesson Plan & Unit of Work
Year 1 Attack Defend Shoot Unit 2
To recognise rules and apply them. Use and apply simple strategies for invasion games. Preparing for and explaining the reasons why we enjoy exercise.
Year 1 Attack Defend Shoot Unit 2 Lesson 3
- Bounce a ball with some control to myself
- Begin to bounce a ball to a partner
- Use bouncing skills in a small game (2 vs 1) to try and score a goal
We are learning: to bounce a ball with control to ourselves Activity: 2 v 1 bouncing into hoops
Year 3 Netball
Perform basic netball skills such as passing and catching using recognised throws. Implement the basic rules of netball.
Year 3 Netball Lesson 5
- Throw over longer distances using shoulder pass
- Recognise which throw is needed over shorter & longer distances
- Use shoulder pass in a game to build attacking play
We are learning: to throw for distance using a shoulder pass Activity: AFL task—increase pitch size to include throws learnt
Paid Subscriber Content
At the The PE Hub, we offer 24 Netball lesson plans, covering Key Stage 2. Lesson Plans are grouped into manageable units of work and designed to make it straightforward to teach Netball to KS2 students.
All our lesson plans come with detailed downloadable resources as standard. We have more than 30 resources for Netball, covering all key teaching points and areas.
Netball FAQs
Is netball part of the primary PE national curriculum?
Netball is cited in the Key Stage 2 national curriculum as an example of a suitable activity for teaching competitive games. Teaching netball isn't mandatory but it does provide a rounded introduction to competitive games. Pupils practise attacking and defending, passing and receiving, and applying simple tactics as part of a team.
What skills should pupils learn in KS2 netball?
KS2 pupils typically learn accurate passing and catching, footwork (including landing and pivoting), shooting technique and basic defensive skills such as marking a player. As they progress, pupils combine these skills in small-sided games and begin to understand simple positional roles and decision-making.
How can netball be adapted for primary school pupils?
Netball is easily adapted by using smaller or lighter balls, lowering the hoop, reducing team sizes and simplifying positional rules. These adaptations help pupils experience success, improve technique and keep games safe and inclusive.
What equipment do I need to teach primary PE netball?
A basic netball setup includes a suitable ball (often size 4 or a lighter training ball), cones or floor markers, bibs and a hoop or target area. Full-size courts are not required as many effective lessons can be delivered in playgrounds or sports halls using adapted spaces.
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