Lesson 1 - Ball Handling Skills
Ball Mastery to Team Play
•Year 3
•Basketball
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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
Pre-inflated and distributed around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, rubber playground balls
For identifying taggers in warm-up activities
Alternative: Different coloured bands or markers
Placed at turning points for relay activities
Alternative: Markers, spots, or any visible markers
One per team for treasure chest collection point
Alternative: Cones, markers, or designated areas
Key Vocabulary
A basketball stance where the player can dribble, pass, or shoot - knees bent, ball held securely, ready position
Bouncing the ball continuously with fingertips while moving
Skills involving controlling and manipulating the basketball with hands
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
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