Primary
England Netball and Netball East only support High 5's at the Primary School age group. ‘High Five Netball is the only game of Netball that children of Primary School age should be playing. High Five Netball is a fun, skilful game to play in any position. The game was developed through extensive consultation with coaches, teachers and physical educationalists.
Along with many other sports, England Netball believes that a modified game at this age group provides the best foundation for young people to develop the physical, social and tactical skills required, in addition to developing knowledge and understanding of the game.
England Netball provides resources and support only for High Five Netball, for boys and girls playing in Primary Schools’
Any school who may require help with the delivery of High Five Netball, should contact their County Development Officer- click here to contact your Counties Netball Development Coordinator (where one is in place).
The reasons for only supporting high 5's are as follows:
• Rules, these are tailored for the age group in that players have longer to release the ball, their are less players on court, this allows for the younger players slightly slower reaction speed and less developed spatial awareness.
• Development of Skills, the high 5's rotations develops all the skills of Netball, shooting, attacking, defending and movement, it does not assume at a young age that a child due to height or skill level should only learn half the skills or learn just one position. This means we develop rounded players who can specialise at an appropriate age.
• Fairness and fun, by having the rotations all players get a chance to play all positions so their is no squabbling between youngsters and the children get a positive and fair experience out of Netball.
• Easier, the smaller ball and lowered posts that are recommended make shooting and passing easier, so they encourage correct technique and make it easier to score and pass, thereby increasing the players success.
• Physical implications, the rotations and additional positions of scorer and centre pass marker give the players scheduled rests in that these jobs are less physically taxing, this ensures players are given appropriate rest and also helps them learn the rules of the game and scoring systems.
• Health & Safety, fewer players on court reduces the likelihood of players running into each other. High fives use slightly smaller balls, which are less likely to injure young players compared to the full size ball.
For courses which would support teacher development please click here.
