Lesson 3 - Bounce and Chest Pass Development
Skills & Tactics Overview
•Year 3
•Basketball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How do we choose the right pass to get the ball to our teammates safely?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate chest and bounce passing techniques with increasing control
- To recognise when to use different types of passes in game situations
- To improve catching skills with both hands and proper body positioning
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate chest and bounce pass techniques with improved accuracy
- Students will make appropriate passing decisions based on defensive positioning
- Students will catch the ball consistently using correct hand positioning and body control
Equipment & Resources Required
Placed in central basket for easy distribution
Alternative: Size 3 basketballs for smaller hands, or playground balls
Two distinct colours for easy team identification
Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams
Mark 6m x 6m playing areas for small-sided games
Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings
Key Vocabulary
A pass that travels from the passer's chest directly to the receiver's chest in a straight line
A pass where the ball bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver
When a defender catches or deflects a pass meant for the opposing team
The player who is meant to catch the pass
Having control of the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and familiarisation from previous lessons
- Understanding of personal space and movement in games
- Simple catching and throwing skills
Current Skills
- Chest pass technique with accuracy and control
- Bounce pass technique and application
- Decision-making about pass selection
- Catching with proper hand positioning
Next Steps
- Developing passing under pressure situations
- Introduction to dribbling skills
- Small-sided games with multiple passing options
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Hands positioned either side of ball with thumbs behind for control and power
- Eye contact with receiver before passing to ensure communication and accuracy
- Flat trajectory passes are harder to intercept than high, looped passes
- Bounce passes should land approximately 2/3 of the way to the receiver
- Use bounce passes when defenders have arms raised, chest passes when clear space available
- Both hands extended for catching creates larger target and better control
- Quick decision making and communication are essential for successful team play
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Bounce passes should land directly in front of the passer. Correction: Ball should bounce 2/3 of the way to receiver for chest-height arrival
- Misconception: Harder passes are always better. Correction: Appropriate force for distance and situation is more important than power
- Misconception: You can only use one type of pass per game. Correction: Best players switch between pass types based on defensive pressure
- Misconception: Catching is just about using hands. Correction: Whole body positioning and cushioning the ball into chest improves success
- Misconception: Games are only about scoring points. Correction: Learning and applying skills correctly is more important than winning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, additional movement breaks, positive reinforcement systems
dyspraxia
- Slower demonstrations with step-by-step breakdown, larger target areas, simplified movement patterns initially, additional practice time
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent language and instructions, predictable activity patterns
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured basketballs, clear verbal descriptions of all activities, tactile markers for positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available, clear sight lines to teacher
physical disability
- Seated passing options available, modified distances based on ability, lighter balls or balloons for reduced strength requirements, wheelchair-accessible spacing
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances between partners, calculating angles for bounce passes, timing challenges and data collection
Science
Understanding forces and motion in ball trajectory, friction effects on bounce passes, reaction time and coordination, heart rate changes during activity
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning concepts, understanding of relative positions (in front, behind, beside), direction and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, respect for others and fair play, dealing with success and disappointment, building confidence through achievement
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations for visibility, mobile during practice for individual feedback, strategic positioning during games for safety and coaching
Observation Focus
Technical execution during skill practice, decision-making in game situations, social interactions and inclusion, safety awareness throughout
Intervention Points
Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide individual technique support for struggling students, facilitate positive interactions if conflicts arise
Demonstration Notes
Perform all techniques slowly initially for clarity, use student demonstrators to show progress, exaggerate key points for visibility, repeat demonstrations as needed
Verbal Cues
- •'Hands on the sides, elbows out!'
- •'Eyes first, then pass!'
- •'Bounce to chest height!'
- •'Read the defence!'
- •'Quick passes beat defenders!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor hall or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause slips or falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Basketballs correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones placed safely at area boundaries, not in playing areas
- •Team bands/bibs distributed safely without rushing
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
- •Collisions between students during dynamic activities
- •Trips or falls due to balls rolling in walking areas
- •Overexertion during continuous activity periods
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing protocols between pairs and groups (minimum 2m)
- •Emphasis on controlled passing with appropriate force
- •Designated ball collection procedures to prevent balls rolling
- •Regular hydration breaks and monitoring of student fatigue levels
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Active monitoring of pair spacing during skill practice
- •Close supervision during competitive game situations
- •Immediate intervention if unsafe behaviour observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal understood by all students, clear evacuation routes identified, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact procedures established