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Lesson 4 - Jump Stop and Pivot

Skills & Tactics Overview

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can mastering the jump stop and pivot make you a better basketball player?

Learning Objectives

To perform a jump stop with control and balance
To execute a pivot movement after a jump stop
To apply jump stop and pivot skills in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control through dribbling practice
Students will master the fundamental jump stop technique for game preparation
Students will combine jump stop and pivot movements in competitive scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distribute around perimeter before lesson starts

Alternative: Playground balls, tennis balls for students with coordination difficulties

Team bibs

15 (for differentiation in games)

Keep in central location for quick team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, coloured cones to identify teams

Dish Cones

15 (for target practice)

Initially stored to side, distributed during skill development

Alternative: Sports equipment bags, hula hoops as targets

Key Vocabulary

Jump Stop

A technique where both feet land simultaneously to maintain balance and prepare for next movement

Pivot

Rotating around one planted foot while keeping that foot in contact with the ground

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously while moving to maintain possession

Double Dribble

Illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then starts dribbling again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling, which is against basketball rules

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and bounce control
Simple dribbling while stationary
Understanding of personal space and movement

Current Skills

Dynamic dribbling with directional changes
Controlled jump stop technique
Pivot movement for tactical advantage

Next Steps

Advanced pivot combinations
Jump stop to shooting preparation
Defensive pivot movements

Milestone Indicators

Consistent balance in jump stop landing

Smooth transition from dribble to stop to pivot

Strategic use of skills in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Jump stop lands with both feet simultaneously for maximum balance and control
Pivot foot must remain planted throughout the turning movement to avoid travelling
Ball protection during pivot requires high elbows and body positioning
Skills application in games requires decision-making and tactical awareness
Sportsmanship and fair play are as important as technical skill development
Progressive difficulty ensures all students can achieve success at their level
Partner work develops both skills and social cooperation abilities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking jump stop means jumping as high as possible - correct with emphasis on controlled, low landing
Believing pivot foot can slide or move - reinforce 'glued to floor' concept clearly
Assuming speed is more important than technique - prioritise control and accuracy over pace
Focusing only on individual skills without team awareness - emphasise game application and cooperation
Thinking mistakes in games don't matter - teach honesty and self-officiating as crucial basketball values

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity periods, regular movement breaks, clear task boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, simplified skill combinations, extra practice time, peer support and encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet breakout area available, consistent verbal cues and prompts

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for commands, written instruction cards, peer support for communication

physical disability

Seated ball handling practice, modified jump stop (step stop), adapted pivoting on wheels, peer assistance as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting bounces and passes, measuring distances for cone placement, angles of movement and pivot turns

Science

Balance and stability concepts, forces in ball bouncing, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and honesty, resilience when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during practice, central position for demonstrations, closer monitoring during game play

Observation Focus

Watch for correct jump stop landing technique, pivot foot placement, ball protection during skills, and positive sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with balance, safety concerns during movement, or poor sportsmanship developing

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate key technique points for visibility, use students as positive examples when appropriate, show common mistakes to avoid

Verbal Cues

•'Two feet together for jump stop!'
•'Protect that ball with high elbows!'
•'Planted foot stays glued down!'
•'Move to space and call for the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, preferably indoor hall or outdoor court

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for wet areas or debris before lesson

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated to ensure predictable bounce
•Cones with no sharp edges or cracks
•Team bibs checked for tears or hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dribbling and movement activities
•Slips and falls during jump stop landings
•Ball strikes during passing practice
•Fatigue affecting decision-making in games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established from start
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed
•Regular safety reminders during activities
•Teacher positioning for maximum supervision

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all students during activities
•Monitor high-activity game situations closely
•Watch for fatigue signs affecting safety
•Intervene quickly if unsafe play develops

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, inform school procedures for any incidents