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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Ball Control

Skills & Tactics Overview

•

Year 3

•

Basketball

•

50 min

Big Question

How can I use my hands and body to keep control of the ball whilst moving?

Learning Objectives

To develop the attacking skill of dribbling with increasing control
To understand and apply basic dribbling rules
To use dribbling skills to move towards a target or goal

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control when dribbling
Students will apply dribbling rules consistently during activities
Students will show tactical awareness when dribbling past opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter before lesson start

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls for younger children

Cones

15 cones

Used for 1v1 starting positions and scoring lines

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk marks

Bibs

15 different colours

For identifying attackers/defenders in 1v1 activity

Alternative: Bands, or visual markers for role identification

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand whilst moving

Double dribble

Stopping dribbling then starting again, or using both hands to dribble at once - both are against the rules

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling it - this is against the rules

V-dribble

Pushing the ball from one side to the other using alternating hands, creating a V-shaped path

Control

Keeping the ball close to your body and where you want it to go

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination from ball handling activities
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with bouncing balls in simple activities

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling with wide fingers at waist height
Understanding of double dribble and travelling rules
Basic tactical awareness in 1v1 situations

Next Steps

Dribbling under pressure with defenders
Combination moves linking dribbling with passing
Game application in small-sided basketball matches

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control for 10+ consecutive dribbles

Ability to change hands whilst maintaining control

Understanding shown through explaining rules to others

Key Teaching Points

Dribble at waist height using wide fingers and soft hands for optimal control
Maintain bent knees and keep ball slightly in front and to the side of body
Double dribble rule: cannot stop dribbling and restart, or use both hands simultaneously
Travelling rule: must dribble continuously to move legally with the ball
V-dribble technique: alternating hands to create V-shaped ball movement for direction changes
Keep head up during dribbling to see space and other players
Emphasise fair play, honesty and good sportsmanship throughout all activities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder dribbling provides better control - gentle, soft hands work better
Believing you can pick up the ball and start dribbling again after stopping
Assuming you can walk or run with the ball without dribbling
Using whole palm instead of fingertips to control the ball
Keeping ball directly beside body instead of slightly in front
Looking down at ball constantly instead of maintaining head up position

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, use movement variety to maintain engagement, clear boundaries and structure

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier-to-control balls initially, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, quiet space available if needed, consistent routine and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt to seated dribbling where appropriate, use lighter balls, modify 1v1 distances for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following verbal instructions, explaining rules and techniques to others

Maths

Counting consecutive dribbles, measuring distances for 1v1 challenges, calculating points scored

Science

Understanding forces when ball bounces, exploring cause and effect of hand pressure on ball control

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns around the playing area

PSHE

Developing honesty and fair play values, building confidence through skill development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner or edge of area for clear sightlines of all students, move during activities to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct dribbling technique, rule compliance, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with ball control, show unsafe movement, or dispute rules during games

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate new skills clearly and slowly, exaggerate key points for visibility, show both correct and incorrect technique for contrast

Verbal Cues

•'Wide fingers for control!'
•'Keep the ball at waist height!'
•'Soft hands, don't slap the ball!'
•'Keep your head up to see space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, basketball court ideal but playground suitable

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface essential for safe dribbling and movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are stable and visible with no sharp edges
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball-related slips on smooth surfaces
•Collisions during moving dribbling activities
•Contact during 1v1 defensive play
•Balls rolling into other activity areas

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement areas
•Emphasise controlled movement before speed
•Monitor 1v1 activities for appropriate contact levels
•Ensure adequate spacing between students during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during movement
•Circulate during 1v1 activities to monitor fair play
•Watch for students losing control and provide immediate support

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, clear other students safely away from incident area