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Lesson 5 - Jump Ball and Game Restarts

Teamwork & Fair Play

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Year 3

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How do we ensure fair play when starting and restarting basketball games?

Learning Objectives

Practice the correct technique for performing a jump ball
Use a jump ball to start a basketball game following official rules
Understand and apply the rules for restarting games after scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper jump ball technique with correct positioning and timing
Students will successfully officiate jump balls as referees following basketball rules
Students will restart games appropriately after baskets are scored using agreed methods

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Distributed around court perimeter, some on cones for starter activity

Alternative: Size 5 basketballs preferred, size 3 for younger/smaller students

Cones

6-8 cones

Used to mark centre points for jump ball practice and court boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, or other ground markers

Bibs

Half class set (15)

Clearly distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, wristbands, or headbands

Whistles

1 for teacher

For signaling quarter changes and official game management

Alternative: Hand claps, voice commands, or wooden blocks

Stopwatch

To time quarters accurately (1-2 minutes each)

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock, or countdown timer

Key Vocabulary

Jump Ball

A method of starting or restarting play where the referee throws the ball up between two opposing players

Tip

To touch the ball lightly with fingertips to direct it to a teammate

Centre Circle

The circular area in the middle of the court where jump balls take place

Possession

When a team has control of the basketball

Turnover

When the ball changes from one team to the other due to a rule violation

Quarter

One of four equal periods that make up a basketball game

Referee

The official who controls the game and enforces the rules

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and catching skills
Understanding of turn-taking and fair play
Awareness of basketball as a team sport

Current Skills

Jump ball technique and positioning
Understanding basketball restart rules
Basic officiating and refereeing skills

Next Steps

Advanced jump ball strategies and tactics
Full basketball game management
Complex officiating decisions and rule application

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful tip to teammate

Confident officiating without teacher support

Understanding of all restart scenarios

Key Teaching Points

Jump ball technique requires straight up jumping motion, not forward movement
Tipping the ball gently with fingertips is more effective than trying to grab it
Referee positioning and throw accuracy are crucial for fair jump balls
Teammates must wait outside the centre circle until ball is touched
Game restart procedures need team agreement to maintain flow and fairness
Fair play and sportsmanship are more important than winning individual jump balls
Understanding quarter system helps students appreciate basketball game structure

Common Misconceptions

Students often think jumping highest automatically wins the jump ball - teach that technique and timing matter more
Many believe they can grab the ball after tipping it - explain the turnover rule clearly
Some think the referee should favour one side - emphasise neutrality and fairness
Students may expect to change jump ball players each quarter - explain consistency builds skill
Some believe restart rules are flexible in all situations - clarify when rules matter most

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments with clear transitions, provide specific roles to maintain focus, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Simplify movement sequences, allow extra practice time for coordination, use larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Provide clear, predictable routine structure, offer quiet space if overstimulated, use visual schedule showing lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance during activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals instead of whistle, ensure student can see teacher's face during instructions, provide written rule cards

physical disability

Adapt jumping to reaching movements from seated position, modify technique to suit individual capabilities, use larger/lighter balls if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Timing quarters with stopwatch, counting successful jump balls, measuring distances for court setup, understanding angles for ball trajectory

Science

Forces involved in jumping and ball flight, gravity effects on ball drop, physics of tipping versus catching motion

Geography

Spatial awareness in court positioning, understanding directions and orientations for team setup

PSHE

Fair play and sportsmanship, conflict resolution during games, leadership skills through refereeing, cooperation in team situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during instruction phases, mobile supervision during group practice, strategic positioning between courts during games

Observation Focus

Jump ball technique accuracy, referee throwing consistency, fair play during games, understanding of restart procedures

Intervention Points

Step in if groups struggling with jump ball height, mediate disputes about restart procedures, provide additional safety reminders if needed

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for jump ball technique, show clear hand positions, demonstrate referee throwing from side view, model positive referee decisions

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes up, watch the ball!'
•'Gentle tip, don't grab!'
•'Fair throw, straight up!'
•'Wait outside the circle!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall or playground space with clear boundaries and no overhead obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, adequate grip for jumping and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify whistle is clean and functioning properly

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during jump ball attempts if spacing inadequate
•Falls from jumping if surface slippery or uneven
•Ball strikes to head or body during errant throws
•Overexertion in competitive game situations

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and spacing for all activities
•Teach controlled jumping technique emphasising safe landing
•Monitor throwing technique to prevent dangerous trajectories
•Regular breaks and hydration during games
•Clear rules about contact during jump balls

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during practice
•Move efficiently between game courts during application phase
•Monitor energy levels and competitive intensity throughout
•Be immediately available for any disputes or safety concerns

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with whistle signal, assess any injuries with appropriate first aid response, have clear emergency contact procedures displayed