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Lesson 3 - Bounce and Chest Pass Development

Skills & Tactics Overview

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Basketball

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Placed in central basket for easy distribution

Alternative: Size 3 basketballs for smaller hands, or playground balls

Team bibs

15 (2 different colours)

Two distinct colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Coloured cones to identify teams

Cones

20 for area marking

Mark 6m x 6m playing areas for small-sided games

Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A pass that travels from the passer's chest directly to the receiver's chest in a straight line

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver

Intercept

When a defender catches or deflects a pass meant for the opposing team

Receiver

The player who is meant to catch the pass

Possession

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

Consistent eye contact with receiver before passing

Appropriate pass selection based on defensive positioning

Smooth transition from catching to passing

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