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Lesson 4 - Pressure Passing

Ball Mastery to Team Play

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Year 3

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Basketball

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Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 basketballs for younger students, foam balls for beginners

Coloured Bibs

12.5 (mixed colours)

Different colours for teams and taggers

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Cones

20-30

Mark boundaries, end zones, and court divisions

Alternative: Markers, domes, chalk lines

Stopwatch

For timing activities and transitions

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Video Device

1 (tablet/phone)

For assessment evidence and feedback

Alternative: Camera, observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Overhead Pass

A pass made by throwing the ball from above and behind the head with both hands

Shoulder Pass

A strong, fast pass made from shoulder height, usually for longer distances

Triple Threat Position

A balanced stance where you can shoot, pass, or dribble

Communication

Talking to teammates to help your team work together

End Zone

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

Consistent accurate passing whilst moving

Clear verbal communication during play

Quick decision-making between pass types

Effective movement to create and use space

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