Lesson 3 - Dribbling & Passing Skills
Progressive Skill Integration
•Year 3
•Basketball
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How can we combine passing and dribbling to outsmart defenders and keep possession of the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To combine dribbling and passing skills to maintain possession under pressure
- To understand and apply the 'triple threat' concept in game situations
- To create space through movement and tactical decision-making
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate coordinated dribbling and passing to evade defenders
- Students will make informed decisions about when to pass or dribble based on game context
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates to maintain possession
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute balls around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs, or rubber playground balls
Use to mark boundaries and create playing areas
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines
One colour for defenders, distribute before possession games
Alternative: Different coloured bands or no bibs with clear team identification
Key Vocabulary
A basketball position where a player can shoot, pass, or dribble, keeping defenders guessing
Moving away from defenders to provide passing options and attacking opportunities
Maintaining control of the ball as a team through passing and dribbling
A two-handed pass pushed from chest level in a straight line to a teammate
A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and control
- Simple chest and bounce passing techniques
- Understanding of space and movement
Current Skills
- Combining dribbling with passing under pressure
- Decision-making using triple threat concept
- Team communication during possession games
Next Steps
- Applying skills in competitive game situations
- Advanced tactical understanding of attack vs defence
- Leadership roles in team coordination
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Triple threat position creates multiple attacking options and keeps defenders guessing
- Quick decision-making under pressure is crucial for maintaining possession
- Communication between teammates is essential for successful possession games
- Ball control must be maintained even when under defensive pressure
- Creating space through movement is as important as technical skill with the ball
- Progressive challenge helps build confidence and skill simultaneously
- Tactical understanding develops through reflection and discussion of game situations
Common Misconceptions
- Students think dribbling is always better than passing - teach context-dependent decision-making
- Believing that holding the ball longer gives more time to think - emphasise quick decisions
- Assuming individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight possession as team concept
- Thinking defensive pressure should be avoided - show how it improves game understanding
- Believing that mistakes mean failure - emphasise learning and resilience
- Assuming communication is only verbal - teach body language and visual cues
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements, provide additional practice time and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear activity structure with visual schedule, allow break space if overwhelmed, use consistent routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of space and movement, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for activity changes, ensure clear line of sight for demonstrations, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
- Modify to seated basketball or walking pace, use larger/softer balls, adjust target distances and requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, using specific vocabulary, explaining tactical decisions
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, calculating success percentages, understanding angles for passing
Science
Forces and motion in ball movement, physics of bounce passes, energy transfer in dribbling
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, communication skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during possession games, position at corner for maximum visibility during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for application of triple threat concept, quality of decision-making under pressure, team communication
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive play becomes too physical, when students struggle with decision-making, if team communication breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Exaggerate triple threat position for visibility, show clear examples of decision-making process, model appropriate defensive pressure
Verbal Cues
- •'Triple threat position!'
- •'Quick decision!'
- •'Eyes up, scan for options!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, suitable for multiple small-sided games
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for dynamic movement and direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during dynamic dribbling
- •Contact during defensive pressure activities
- •Slips and falls due to quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes from passes at head height
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for each playing group
- •Adequate spacing maintained between activities
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Emphasis on controlled defensive pressure only
- •Regular breaks to prevent fatigue affecting safety
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor defensive contact levels continuously
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique
- •Intervene immediately if play becomes too physical
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, follow school protocols