Lesson 1 - Ball Handling & Dribbling
Teamwork & Fair Play
•Year 3
•Basketball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Pre-positioned around court perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 basketballs for better handling, playground balls
Mark boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Position at appropriate height for Year 3
Alternative: Large cones, buckets, marked wall targets
Clearly distinguish defenders from attackers
Alternative: Different coloured equipment
Key Vocabulary
Bouncing the ball continuously with fingertips while moving
Controlling the ball with hands using various movements
Having control of the ball for your team
The ends of your fingers used to control the ball
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
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