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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Ball Control

Progressive Skill Integration

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Year 3

•

Basketball

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we keep control of the ball while moving to maintain possession and beat defenders?

Learning Objectives

To develop basic dribbling technique with fingertips and strong wrists
To understand when, where and why to dribble in basketball
To maintain ball control while changing direction and speed

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct dribbling technique with knees bent and head up
Students will show they can change direction while maintaining ball control
Students will make decisions about when and where to dribble to avoid defenders

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Inflated to correct pressure for consistent bounce

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, large playground balls

Coloured Cones

15-20

Scattered throughout playing area as obstacles

Alternative: Spots, small pylons, bean bags

Coloured Bibs

6 (for defenders)

One colour for defenders to aid identification

Alternative: Bandanas, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously while moving

Ball control

Keeping the ball close and under your command

Possession

Having control of the ball

Defender

A player trying to gain possession of the ball

Space

An area with no other players or obstacles

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of personal space
Simple movement patterns like walking and running

Current Skills

Dribbling with fingertips and strong wrists
Maintaining ball control while moving
Changing direction while dribbling

Next Steps

Dribbling under pressure from defenders
Combining dribbling with passing
Using dribbling in game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent bounce height when dribbling

Eyes up scanning for space while dribbling

Smooth direction changes without losing control

Key Teaching Points

Dribbling uses fingertips, not palms - fingertips are like gentle hammers
Keep knees bent in athletic stance for better balance and control
Eyes up to see spaces, teammates, and avoid collisions
Ball should bounce to waist height for optimal control
Protect the ball with body position when under pressure from defenders
Change direction by using opposite hand and shifting body weight
No physical contact allowed - defending is about positioning and movement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you must slap the ball hard - actually requires gentle fingertip pushing
Believing you should always look at the ball - head up is essential for game awareness
Assuming faster dribbling is always better - control and decision-making are more important
Thinking dribbling is always the best option - sometimes passing or shooting is better
Believing physical contact is allowed in basketball - emphasise non-contact nature
Assuming only dominant hand should be used - both hands essential for good players

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity intervals, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks incorporated naturally

dyspraxia

Larger softer balls, reduce complexity of movements, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available if needed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Seated dribbling versions, larger lighter balls, modified court boundaries, adapted rules for mobility aids

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting dribbles and defender points, measuring distances between cones, timing activities in minutes and seconds

Science

Understanding forces when pushing ball down, gravity bringing ball back up, balance and body positioning

Geography

Spatial awareness and navigation around obstacles, understanding directions and space usage

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions under pressure, showing respect for opponents and teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all students, central position for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for correct fingertip contact, head up position, spatial awareness, and respectful interaction

Intervention Points

Step in if students lose control repeatedly, show unsafe behaviour, or need technique correction

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students to model good examples. Show common mistakes and corrections clearly.

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips like gentle hammers!'
•'Head up, eyes scanning!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Protect your ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor hall or outdoor hard court surface

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from obstacles, good grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated for consistent bounce
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students while dribbling
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
•Emphasise no physical contact rule throughout
•Progress gradually from static to dynamic activities
•Maintain adequate spacing between activity groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all activity groups simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during 1v4 games
•Watch for fatigue and overexertion
•Ensure rule compliance especially regarding contact

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established for immediate cessation of activity. First aid equipment accessible. Clear evacuation routes maintained.