Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Netball – Marking Notes
Netball — Marking
Topic: Netball • Subject: Physical & Health Education
Subtopic: Marking — For learners aged 11 (Kenyan school level)
What is marking?
Marking means a defender stays close to an opponent to stop them getting the ball, making space, or taking a shot. Good marking helps your team win back possession.
Remember:
- The defender must stand at least 0.9 m (about 3 feet) from a player who has the ball when trying to block a shot or pass.
- No pushing, holding or contact — this is a foul.
Which players mark whom?
In netball each position can only move in certain areas. Defenders mark the attacking players in their area. Simple pairs:
- GK (Goal Keeper) marks GS (Goal Shooter)
- GD (Goal Defence) marks GA (Goal Attack) and helps the GK
- WD (Wing Defence) marks WA (Wing Attack)
- C (Centre) often marks the other centre or helps in defence and attack
Principles of good marking
- Stay on your opponent: Follow their movement, especially into space.
- Use the correct distance: Close enough to pressure, not to contact (about arm's length).
- Keep low and balanced: Quick feet help to keep up with changes of direction.
- Watch the ball and the player's hips/shoulders — they show direction better than the head.
- Communicate: Tell team-mates "Switch" or "Mine" loudly and clearly.
- Force the opponent into a weak side or away from the goal circle.
Marking techniques (how to do it)
- Close Marking: Stay beside the attacker, matching speed and direction. Use quick small steps.
- Intercept Position: Move into the passing lane between the ball and your opponent to catch or deflect passes.
- Block the Shot: When attacker prepares to shoot, raise hands straight up (no leaning) from 0.9 m distance to block view/pass.
- Zone Help: If an attacker beats you, call for help and delay them until a team-mate covers.
Simple drills to practice marking (School-friendly)
- Mirror Drill: Pair up. One player moves (walk, jog, side-step) and the other copies exactly (marking). Switch roles.
- Close Mark 1v1: Defender tries to stay between attacker and the goal circle while attacker moves. No ball at first, then add pass/shot.
- Intercept Race: Coach throws to a target. Defender practices moving into the passing lane to intercept.
- Three-Person Drill: Attacker, defender, and helper. Helper passes; defender practices delay and intercept while attacker tries to receive.
Safety and fair play (important for Kenyan school games)
- Always warm up before drills to avoid injury.
- No rough contact — Kenyan school games expect fair play and respect for officials.
- Listen to the coach and the umpire. If a foul is given, learn from it and keep playing.
Quick teacher / coach cues (short phrases to use)
"Stay on her", "Hands up!", "Footwork!", "Delay, then intercept", "Call for help".
Simple netball court view — marking positions
GS
WA
C
WD
GK
GD
In the picture: defenders (GK, GD, WD) mark the attackers (GS, GA, WA) inside their allowed areas. Coaches in Kenyan schools often use this simple view to explain who marks whom.
How to practise at home or in school compound
- Use cones to mark areas and practice staying between cone lines and your opponent.
- Pair up with classmates: 5-minute mirror drills daily make big improvements.
- Watch school matches and notice how defenders move — try to copy good footwork.
Final tip: Good marking uses your feet, hands, eyes and voice. Be fair, stay focused and help your team win!