Lesson 3 - Passing Techniques
Ball Mastery to Team Play
•Year 3
•Basketball
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How can we use different passing techniques to keep possession and work as a team in basketball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate chest pass and bounce pass techniques with consistent foot positioning and follow-through
- To apply passing skills under pressure in competitive game situations
- To demonstrate self-motivation and physical confidence during competitive activities
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform chest and bounce passes with correct technique in static and moving situations
- Students will make appropriate passing decisions under defensive pressure
- Students will actively engage in competitive situations showing resilience and determination
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation levels, distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for smaller hands
Multiple colours needed for gate activities
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Define clear playing area boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or existing court markings
For timing competitive challenges
Alternative: Phone timer or visible clock
For assessment evidence and modelling examples
Alternative: Tablet, phone, or digital camera
Key Vocabulary
A basketball pass where the ball travels from chest height to chest height in a straight line
A basketball pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver
The specific person or area you aim to pass the ball towards
Catching and securing the ball when it's passed to you
Using voice and body language to show you're ready for a pass
When a defender is trying to stop your pass or steal the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and dribbling skills from previous basketball lessons
- Understanding of personal space and movement in game areas
- Experience with partner work and simple competitive activities
Current Skills
- Chest pass technique with correct stepping and follow-through
- Bounce pass technique and appropriate selection
- Passing under pressure and defensive awareness
- Effective communication during game play
Next Steps
- More complex passing patterns and combinations
- Introduction to shooting techniques
- Advanced defensive strategies and positioning
- Small-sided basketball games with specific roles
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Chest and bounce pass technique: catch, protect, step, push with thumbs down follow-through
- Communication is essential - verbal and non-verbal signals for readiness and pass type
- Pass selection based on defender positioning: high hands = bounce pass, low hands = chest pass
- Accuracy and control more important than speed or power in passing
- Protective ball handling when under pressure using body as barrier
- Self-motivation and resilience in competitive situations builds character
- Teamwork and encouragement enhance everyone's performance and enjoyment
Common Misconceptions
- Harder passes are better - actually control and accuracy matter most
- Only need to look at ball when passing - must also watch defender and teammate
- Bounce pass is just throwing down - requires same pushing technique as chest pass
- Competition means being aggressive - focus should be on skill and sportsmanship
- Only successful outcomes matter - effort and improvement are equally important
- Individual skill is most important - teamwork and communication often determine success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, positive behaviour reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment initially, reduced complexity in early stages, additional practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent language and rules throughout
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured basketballs, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, visual timing devices
physical disability
- Seated passing variations, modified ball sizes, adjusted distances, alternative equipment like bean bags or larger soft balls
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful passes, measuring distances between partners, calculating success rates in competitive challenges, understanding fractions (2/3 distance for bounce pass)
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, trajectory angles for different passes, friction between ball and court surface, biomechanics of stepping and follow-through
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping team formations and movement around court
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience and perseverance, self-evaluation and reflection, supporting others and celebrating success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct passing technique, effective communication, positive responses to pressure, inclusive participation
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe play developing, frustration levels rising, or partnerships not working effectively
Demonstration Notes
Use students demonstrating good technique whenever possible, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility, show incorrect technique first then correct version for clarity
Verbal Cues
- •'Catch, protect, step, push!' for passing technique
- •'Show me you're ready!' for receiving position
- •'High hands means bounce pass!' for decision-making
- •'Keep the passes under control!' for safety
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum half basketball court (15m x 14m), clear of obstacles and with safe boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from water, debris, or tripping hazards, non-slip court marking
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or broken parts
- •Verify all equipment appropriate size for Year 3 students (size 5 or smaller basketballs)
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body from poor passing technique
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on court surface
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson
- •Adequate spacing between pairs and groups during all activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
- •Emphasis on control and accuracy rather than power in passing
- •Regular equipment and surface checks
- •Clear rules about appropriate physical contact in defensive situations
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during competitive challenges
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or frustration in competitive situations
- •Ensure inclusive participation and appropriate challenge levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation calmly, provide appropriate first aid if trained, seek additional support if needed, maintain supervision of other students