Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Ball Control
Skills & Tactics Overview
•Year 3
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around area perimeter before lesson start
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls for younger children
Used for 1v1 starting positions and scoring lines
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk marks
For identifying attackers/defenders in 1v1 activity
Alternative: Bands, or visual markers for role identification
Key Vocabulary
Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand whilst moving
Stopping dribbling then starting again, or using both hands to dribble at once - both are against the rules
Moving with the ball without dribbling it - this is against the rules
Pushing the ball from one side to the other using alternating hands, creating a V-shaped path
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
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