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Lesson 3 - Passing Techniques

Ball Mastery to Team Play

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per pair (15 balls)

Check inflation levels, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for smaller hands

Coloured Cones

25 cones in different colours

Multiple colours needed for gate activities

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Sun Markers

4 large cones or markers

Define clear playing area boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape, or existing court markings

Timer

For timing competitive challenges

Alternative: Phone timer or visible clock

Video Device

1 (optional)

For assessment evidence and modelling examples

Alternative: Tablet, phone, or digital camera

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A basketball pass where the ball travels from chest height to chest height in a straight line

Bounce Pass

A basketball pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver

Target

The specific person or area you aim to pass the ball towards

Receiving

Catching and securing the ball when it's passed to you

Communication

Using voice and body language to show you're ready for a pass

Pressure

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

Consistent accurate passes over 3+ metres distance

Quick decision-making between chest and bounce pass options

Maintained possession under defensive pressure for 5+ consecutive passes

Self-motivated participation without adult encouragement

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