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Lesson 3 - Dribbling & Passing Skills

Progressive Skill Integration

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per pair (15 total)

Distribute balls around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs, or rubber playground balls

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones

Use to mark boundaries and create playing areas

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

10 bibs (2 colours)

One colour for defenders, distribute before possession games

Alternative: Different coloured bands or no bibs with clear team identification

Key Vocabulary

Triple Threat

A basketball position where a player can shoot, pass, or dribble, keeping defenders guessing

Creating Space

Moving away from defenders to provide passing options and attacking opportunities

Possession

Maintaining control of the ball as a team through passing and dribbling

Chest Pass

A two-handed pass pushed from chest level in a straight line to a teammate

Bounce Pass

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

Maintains possession for 5+ consecutive passes

Consistently chooses appropriate skill (shoot/pass/dribble)

Demonstrates clear tactical awareness

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