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Lesson 1 - Ball Handling & Dribbling

Teamwork & Fair Play

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use ball handling skills and teamwork to maintain possession and score points in basketball?

Learning Objectives

Develop basic ball-handling skills using fingertips for control
Learn to dribble while moving and maintaining possession
Work collaboratively in team situations to score points

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control using fingertips
Students will show ability to dribble while looking forward
Students will apply passing and teamwork skills in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around court perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 basketballs for better handling, playground balls

Cones

8-10

Mark boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Goals

2-4

Position at appropriate height for Year 3

Alternative: Large cones, buckets, marked wall targets

Bibs

6 (for defenders)

Clearly distinguish defenders from attackers

Alternative: Different coloured equipment

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with fingertips while moving

Ball handling

Controlling the ball with hands using various movements

Possession

Having control of the ball for your team

Fingertips

The ends of your fingers used to control the ball

Court

The playing area for basketball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball rolling and catching skills
Understanding of taking turns and following instructions
Experience with simple team games

Current Skills

Ball handling using fingertips
Stationary and moving dribbling
Basic passing and receiving
Simple game tactics and teamwork

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling techniques
Shooting fundamentals
More complex game strategies
Competitive team play

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control during movement

Demonstrates correct fingertip technique

Shows awareness of teammates and space

Applies skills in game context

Key Teaching Points

Dribbling is controlled with fingertips, never the palm of the hand
Keep head up and eyes scanning when dribbling to see teammates and space
Ball should bounce consistently to approximately waist height
Use both hands to become a complete basketball player
Teamwork and passing are as important as individual ball skills
Fair play and good sportsmanship are essential in all games
Practice and persistence lead to improvement in all skills

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Using palm is easier for control. Correction: Fingertips provide much better ball control and feel
Misconception: Looking at ball ensures better dribbling. Correction: Looking ahead allows you to see teammates and defenders
Misconception: Bouncing ball high gives more time. Correction: Waist-high bounces provide optimal control and speed
Misconception: Strong hand is always better. Correction: Using both hands makes you unpredictable and more skilful
Misconception: Individual skill is most important. Correction: Basketball is a team sport requiring cooperation and passing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks as required

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, slower demonstrations, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written cue cards for key points

physical disability

Seated dribbling variations, use larger balls for easier handling, adjust court size and rules as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using technical vocabulary, communicating tactics to teammates

Maths

Counting successful dribbles, measuring distances for court setup, calculating team scores

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball bouncing, gravity effects on basketball flight

PSHE

Teamwork skills, resilience when learning new skills, respect for others in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the edge of activities for optimal observation, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct fingertip technique, head-up dribbling, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in if students revert to palm dribbling, show poor sportsmanship, or appear unsafe

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills clearly and slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students as examples when they show good technique.

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips like you're tickling the ball!'
•'Head up, eyes scanning!'
•'Soft bounces to waist height!'
•'Work together as a team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum basketball court size (15m x 28m) or equivalent large indoor space

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and have no damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify targets/hoops are securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball-to-face contact during passing or dribbling
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during high-energy activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and movement rules established
•Emphasis on looking ahead while dribbling
•No-contact rule for defending
•Adequate spacing maintained throughout activities
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during activities
•Monitor closely during game situations for fair play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure equipment is used safely and appropriately

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, arrange further support if needed