Start Planning Better PE Lessons

Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.

What's included

  • Complete activity instructions & timing
  • Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
  • Assessment guidance & success criteria
  • Downloadable lessons & units
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How can we use our basketball skills to work as a team and compete fairly in games?

Learning Objectives

  • To apply dribbling, passing and shooting skills in competitive game situations
  • To communicate effectively with teammates during games
  • To demonstrate understanding of attacking and defending principles

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate basketball skills in game contexts
  • Students will show effective team communication
  • Students will display self-motivation and confidence in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball
1 per student (30)

Check all balls are properly inflated before lesson

Alternative: Playground balls, netballs

Basketball Hoops
2-4 depending on court setup

Adjust height if possible for Year 3

Alternative: Netball posts, target zones marked on walls

Coloured Cones
4 different colours

Place in corners for assessment activity

Alternative: Coloured spots, bibs as markers

Markers Cones
20

Mark boundaries clearly for mini courts

Alternative: Chalk lines, existing court markings

Bibs
15 of each colour (2-4 colours)

Organise into team sets before lesson

Alternative: Coloured t-shirts, arm bands

Whistles
1-2

Have backup whistle ready

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Digital Cameras
1

Check battery and storage space

Alternative: School camera, mobile device

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of games where teams compete against each other

Tactics

Plans and strategies used to win games

Self-motivation

Encouraging yourself to try your best without being told

Referee

Person who makes sure everyone follows the rules fairly

Reflection

Thinking about what went well and what could be improved

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic dribbling technique with both hands
  • Chest pass and bounce pass skills
  • Basic shooting technique
  • Understanding of basketball rules

Current Skills

  • Applying skills in competitive game situations
  • Team communication and cooperation
  • Understanding attacking and defending principles
  • Self-assessment and reflection

Next Steps

  • Advanced tactical play
  • Specialist positions and roles
  • Tournament organisation
  • Peer coaching and leadership

Milestone Indicators

1
Maintains ball control under pressure
2
Makes appropriate tactical decisions
3
Communicates effectively during games
4
Shows resilience in competitive situations

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise applying learned skills in competitive situations rather than just winning
  • Foster team communication through regular discussion breaks and reflection
  • Model and reward positive sporting behaviour and school values
  • Use assessment opportunities to capture evidence of self-motivation and confidence
  • Encourage tactical thinking through team reflection and discussion
  • Connect basketball learning to broader life skills and community opportunities
  • Balance competition with inclusion ensuring all students feel valued

Common Misconceptions

  • Competition is only about winning - correct by emphasising effort, improvement and sportsmanship
  • Only skilled players should handle the ball - encourage equal participation and passing
  • Defending means just trying to get the ball - teach positional play and team defending
  • Self-assessment should match teacher assessment - explain individual reflection is personal and honest
  • Games are separate from skill learning - help students connect practice to game application
  • Basketball is only for tall or athletic students - demonstrate that all can contribute to team success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Short game periods, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
  • Use larger balls, reduce game speed, provide extra practice time, pair with supportive teammate
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear game structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of game action, assign sighted buddy
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals and demonstrations, written game rules, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
  • Modify court size, allow seated play if needed, use larger lighter balls, adjust hoop height

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, vocabulary development, team discussion and reflection

Maths

Counting scores, timing games, creating tournament fixtures and understanding patterns

Science

Understanding forces in basketball, effects of exercise on body, teamwork dynamics

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience, self-confidence, fair play, leadership and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all students, position for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for skill application, team communication, self-motivation and confidence in competitive situations

Intervention Points

Step in if games become too physical, rules are ignored, or students become upset or excluded

Demonstration Notes

Model positive sporting behaviour, show enthusiasm for good play from all teams, demonstrate fair refereeing

Verbal Cues
  • 'Remember to communicate with your team!'
  • 'Use your basketball skills we've practiced!'
  • 'Think about when to attack and when to defend!'
  • 'Great teamwork - keep supporting each other!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Basketball court or large hall minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles with defined boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface checked for hazards, balls properly inflated

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check basketball hoops are secure and appropriate height
  • Ensure balls are not over-inflated and in good condition
  • Verify cones have no sharp edges and are visible

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball strikes to face or body
  • Collisions between students during games
  • Slips and falls on court surface
  • Over-competitive behaviour leading to contact
Risk Mitigation
  • Establish clear no-contact rules and reinforce regularly
  • Maintain adequate spacing between courts
  • Stop games immediately if rules are broken
  • Ensure proper warm-up before competitive games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe both courts simultaneously
  • Monitor for signs of fatigue or frustration
  • Intervene quickly in disputes
  • Watch for unsafe play or overcompetitive behaviour
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity on whistle, assess injury, provide first aid if qualified, send for help if needed