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Lesson 1 - Ball Handling Skills

Ball Mastery to Team Play

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Year 3

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Basketball

•

45 min

Big Question

How can I master ball control and movement to become more skilful in basketball?

Learning Objectives

To develop ball handling skills using both hands
To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision when dribbling
To understand how to vary movement to maintain ball control

Key Outcomes

Students will control a basketball using both hands with increasing confidence
Students will demonstrate improved agility, balance, coordination and precision
Students will apply ball control skills in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-inflated and distributed around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, rubber playground balls

Coloured Bibs

For identifying taggers in warm-up activities

Alternative: Different coloured bands or markers

Cones

Placed at turning points for relay activities

Alternative: Markers, spots, or any visible markers

Hoops

One per team for treasure chest collection point

Alternative: Cones, markers, or designated areas

Key Vocabulary

Triple Threat

A basketball stance where the player can dribble, pass, or shoot - knees bent, ball held securely, ready position

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with fingertips while moving

Ball Handling

Skills involving controlling and manipulating the basketball with hands

Control

Keeping the ball close to your body and within reach at all times

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space
Experience with ball games

Current Skills

Ball handling with both hands
Basic dribbling technique
Triple Threat position
Ball control while moving

Next Steps

Dribbling with both hands alternately
Dribbling under pressure
Passing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control for 30 seconds continuously

Can dribble while walking without losing control

Demonstrates correct Triple Threat position consistently

Key Teaching Points

Triple Threat position is fundamental - knees bent, ball secure, ready stance
Dribbling uses fingertips, not palms - push don't slap the ball
Keep ball at waist height for optimal control
Head up while dribbling to see space and other players
Technique is more important than speed when learning
Encourage peer observation and positive feedback
Build from stationary skills to moving skills progressively

Common Misconceptions

Students think dribbling higher makes them look more skilled - emphasise control over height
Belief that speed is more important than technique - reinforce skill development first
Assumption that Triple Threat position is just standing - explain ready position concept
Thinking basketball is only about bouncing - introduce full range of ball handling skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower-bouncing balls, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller steps, offer hand-over-hand support

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet zones if overstimulated, use visual schedules for activity sequence

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs, provide audio cues for movement directions, assign sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for stop/start commands, demonstrate all instructions clearly, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Offer seated dribbling options, use lighter balls if needed, modify movement distances, provide supportive equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Learning and using new vocabulary (dribbling, Triple Threat, ball handling), giving clear instructions to partners

Maths

Counting basketballs in treasure chest activity, measuring distances for relay setup, timing activities in seconds

Science

Understanding forces when bouncing basketballs, balance and centre of gravity in Triple Threat position, heart rate changes during exercise

PSHE

Working cooperatively in pairs, giving constructive feedback, showing resilience when learning new skills, celebrating others' achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of area for maximum visibility, move around during partner work to offer individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct Triple Threat position, quality of dribbling technique (fingertips, waist height, head up), spatial awareness during movement

Intervention Points

Step in if students lose ball control frequently, provide additional support for those struggling with basic skills, redirect competitive focus to technique focus

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at normal speed. Use exaggerated movements for key teaching points. Have students demonstrate good examples to reinforce learning.

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips, not palms!'
•'Keep that ball at waist height!'
•'Head up, eyes forward!'
•'Bend those knees in Triple Threat!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or equivalent outdoor hard court area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify hoops are secure and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Loss of ball control leading to trips or falls
•Fatigue during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and movement patterns established
•Adequate spacing maintained between students and pairs
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
•Regular checks for student fatigue and appropriate rest periods

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during tag and treasure games
•Watch for students struggling with ball control

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed