Lesson 5 - Losing a Defender
Skills & Tactics Overview
•Year 3
•Basketball
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How can we use our body movement and teamwork to outsmart defenders and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to lose a defender through changes of speed and direction
- To understand when and how to move into space to help the team
- To recognise and pass to teammates when they are free
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques to evade defenders
- Students will show improved spatial awareness and team support
- Students will make successful passes to free teammates
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners
Initially spread for warm-up, then used for activity boundaries
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops
Kept in separate containers for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured pinnards, t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
The player trying to stop the attacking team from scoring
The player with or trying to receive the ball to score
Quick movement to avoid or get away from a defender
An area on the court that is not occupied by defenders
Varying your speed to confuse defenders
The scoring area at each end of the playing space
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic movement patterns and direction changes
- Simple passing and catching techniques
- Understanding of basic game rules
Current Skills
- Dodging and changing direction to lose defenders
- Moving into space to support teammates
- Recognising when teammates are free for passes
Next Steps
- Advanced dodging combinations
- Team tactics and set plays
- Game strategy and tactical awareness
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Push off the outside foot when changing direction to generate maximum force
- Bend knees and sink shoulders low when dodging to maintain balance and power
- Use changes of speed combined with direction changes to effectively lose defenders
- Pass the ball immediately when teammates create space through good movement
- Spread out across the playing area to create multiple passing options
- Apply dodging skills in game situations rather than just isolated practice
- Communicate with teammates to coordinate movements and support play
Common Misconceptions
- That dodging is only about speed - actually it's about timing and deception
- That the defender should be easy to beat - appropriate pressure helps attackers improve
- That you should always dribble - sometimes passing to a free teammate is better
- That bigger/faster students will always win - technique and intelligence can overcome physical advantages
- That individual skill is most important - basketball is a team sport requiring cooperation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, use movement breaks and positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of movements initially, provide extra practice time and step-by-step instruction cards
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure, use visual timetable for lesson sections, offer quiet space if needed for regulation
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for navigation
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards with key points
physical disability
- Adapt to seated or supported standing positions, modify dodging to upper body movements, use larger balls for easier handling
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes and scores, measuring distances for activities, understanding angles of movement and direction changes
Science
Forces and motion in dodging movements, friction between feet and floor, body systems during exercise
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding of space and position
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respect for others and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position at corner for maximum visibility during whole-class activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct dodging technique, appropriate defensive pressure, and team cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with concept, if safety concerns arise, or if games become unbalanced
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve students in demonstrations, connect skills to game situations
Verbal Cues
- •'Push off that outside foot!'
- •'Change your speed to trick the defender!'
- •'Look for the free player!'
- •'Well done, that was excellent dodging!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, indoor hall or outdoor hard court surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, cones stable and visible
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges
- •Team bands in good repair
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during rapid direction changes
- •Slips during quick movements
- •Ball strikes during passing activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups maintained
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic
- •Controlled passing with appropriate force
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid if needed, seek additional support if required