Lesson 6 - Game Play & Tournament
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 all our basketball skills together to play fairly and successfully in a real game?
Learning Objectives
- Apply basic basketball rules and skills learned throughout the unit in competitive game situations
- Make tactical decisions about when to move into space to receive passes effectively
- Evaluate and suggest improvements for own and team performance during gameplay
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent application of chest passing, shooting, and dribbling skills in game contexts
- Students will show understanding of spacing and movement principles during competitive play
- Students will provide constructive feedback to teammates and reflect on team strengths and areas for development
Equipment & Resources Required
Ensure balls are appropriately sized for Year 3 students and properly inflated
Alternative: Large playground balls or netballs if basketballs unavailable
Set at appropriate height for Year 3 (2.5-3m high)
Alternative: Large PE hoops attached to walls or posts, netball posts
Use to mark court boundaries and drill areas
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Ensure clear colour distinction between teams
Alternative: Coloured bands or ask students to remember team colours
For drawing tactics and recording tournament results
Alternative: Large paper and marker
Key Vocabulary
A competition where teams play multiple games against different opponents
A tournament format where every team plays against every other team
Running to an area where there are no defenders to receive a pass
The way basketball games start, with the ball thrown up between two players
An uncontested shot awarded when a foul is committed
Restarting play from the side of the court when ball goes out
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Can perform chest pass with accuracy over short distances
- Can shoot using two-handed technique towards basketball hoop
- Can dribble ball with control while stationary and moving slowly
Current Skills
- Apply all learned skills in competitive game situations
- Make tactical decisions about movement and positioning
- Evaluate team performance and suggest improvements
Next Steps
- Develop more advanced passing techniques (bounce pass, overhead pass)
- Learn more complex defensive strategies and team formations
- Understand advanced basketball rules and officiating
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always move into space immediately after passing the ball
- Use the decision hierarchy: shoot if possible, pass to teammate, dribble as last option
- Maintain good defensive body position when not in possession
- Communicate constantly with teammates during games
- Apply all learned skills under competitive pressure
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship and fair play throughout
- Quick transitions between attack and defence
Common Misconceptions
- That dribbling is always the best option - teach passing first
- That only perfect shots through the hoop count - celebrate hitting the rim
- That staying still after passing is acceptable - emphasise immediate movement
- That individual skill is more important than teamwork - focus on team success
- That competitive games don't need rules - reinforce fair play importance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter game periods, clear roles and responsibilities, movement breaks between activities, simplified rule explanations
dyspraxia
- Larger basketballs for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear predictable routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, advance warning of game rotations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured basketballs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for movement, sound cues for game starts
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for game starts and stops, written rule cards, ensure students can see teacher demonstrations, use hand signals for instructions
physical disability
- Seated basketball version, modified shooting heights, larger balls for easier handling, adapted court sizes, individual achievement goals
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication during games, giving and receiving feedback, following and giving instructions
Maths
Counting scores and tournament points, understanding time in game quarters, calculating team statistics
Science
Understanding forces in ball movement, learning about heart rate during exercise, exploring gravity in shooting
Geography
Understanding court layout and spatial positioning, directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts during tournament to monitor all games, position centrally during whole-class instructions
Observation Focus
Watch for application of skills under pressure, teamwork and communication, fair play and sportsmanship
Intervention Points
Step in if rules disputes arise, support struggling teams with encouragement, modify activities for students needing additional support
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for rule demonstrations, involve confident students to help demonstrate skills, show both correct and incorrect examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Pass and move!'
- •'Head up, look for space!'
- •'Great teamwork!'
- •'Remember our priorities - shoot, pass, dribble!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor space minimum 30m x 20m with multiple court areas, or outdoor playground with appropriate surface
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, debris or trip hazards, marked boundaries clearly visible
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Basketballs properly inflated and size-appropriate for Year 3
- •Basketball hoops securely mounted at safe height
- •Cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Bibs clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during games
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Falls when jumping or changing direction
- •Overexertion during tournament games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and court separation to prevent collisions between games
- •Emphasis on controlled contact and fair play rules
- •Progressive skill building before competitive games
- •Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for fatigue
- •Modified rules for different ability levels to ensure inclusion
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all courts during tournament
- •Move between games to monitor fair play and safety
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure adequate spacing during warm-up activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed