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Lesson 5 - Losing a Defender

Skills & Tactics Overview

•

Year 3

•

Basketball

•

55 min

Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Cones

Initially spread for warm-up, then used for activity boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Team bibs

15 (2 colours)

Kept in separate containers for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured pinnards, t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Defender

The player trying to stop the attacking team from scoring

Attacker

The player with or trying to receive the ball to score

Dodge

Quick movement to avoid or get away from a defender

Space

An area on the court that is not occupied by defenders

Change of pace

Varying your speed to confuse defenders

End zone

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

Consistent successful dodges

Quick recognition of free teammates

Effective communication during games

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