Lesson 4 - Pressure Passing
Ball Mastery to Team Play
•Year 3
•Basketball
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How can we keep the ball in our team when the opponents are trying to take it away?
Learning Objectives
- To develop passing techniques on the move with accuracy and control
- To understand how to maintain possession through quick decision-making and communication
- To demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will pass accurately on the move using appropriate technique
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates to maintain possession
- Students will show improved decision-making under pressure
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 basketballs for younger students, foam balls for beginners
Different colours for teams and taggers
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Mark boundaries, end zones, and court divisions
Alternative: Markers, domes, chalk lines
For timing activities and transitions
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock
For assessment evidence and feedback
Alternative: Camera, observation sheets
Key Vocabulary
When your team has control of the ball
A pass made by throwing the ball from above and behind the head with both hands
A strong, fast pass made from shoulder height, usually for longer distances
A balanced stance where you can shoot, pass, or dribble
Talking to teammates to help your team work together
The target area where teammates must catch the ball to score
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching and throwing techniques
- Understanding of personal space and awareness
- Simple passing whilst stationary
- Basic basketball ball handling skills
Current Skills
- Passing on the move with control
- Making quick decisions under pressure
- Communicating effectively with teammates
- Maintaining possession through movement and passing
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques including bounce passes
- Complex game strategies and team formations
- Shooting techniques and accuracy
- Full basketball game understanding and rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain possession through quick passing, movement, and communication
- Choose appropriate pass type based on distance and defensive pressure
- Demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision in game situations
- Apply 3-second rule to encourage active play and decision-making
- Use space effectively to create passing opportunities
- Build play from defence to attack in structured manner
- Combine individual skills with team tactics for success
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking possession means keeping the ball as long as possible individually rather than team-based
- Believing longer/harder passes are always better than accurate short passes
- Assuming defensive pressure means you must rush decisions
- Thinking communication means shouting rather than clear, helpful calls
- Believing winning is more important than applying learned skills correctly
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger balls initially, reduced complexity, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breaking
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual timetables, quiet zones available, predictable structure
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for spatial awareness, buddy system for guidance, describe actions clearly
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, vibrating signals
physical disability
- Seated passing versions, modified equipment, adapted distances, wheelchair-accessible court areas
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, giving clear instructions, listening and responding to teammates
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring court dimensions, calculating team scores and statistics
Science
Forces in passing (push/pull), trajectory and angles of ball flight, body systems during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning on court, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when under pressure, leadership skills development
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during practice, stand at corner for maximum court visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct passing technique, effective communication, appropriate pressure from defenders
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive pressure becomes too physical, if rules are consistently misunderstood, or if any student becomes frustrated
Demonstration Notes
Use students who demonstrate good technique as models, exaggerate key teaching points for clarity, provide both positive and corrective examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick decision!'
- •'Look before you pass!'
- •'Move to help your teammate!'
- •'Well done, great communication!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for full activities, indoor sports hall preferred
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas or obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are correctly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during fast-moving games
- •Slips from quick direction changes
- •Eye injuries from ball contact
- •Overexertion in competitive situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between activity areas
- •Progressive skill building before competitive games
- •Regular reminders about safe contact levels
- •Appropriate rest periods between high-intensity activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all three courts
- •Move between groups during possession games
- •Monitor exertion levels and hydration needs
- •Watch for signs of frustration or inappropriate contact
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aid or emergency services if required