Lesson 5 - Jump Ball and Game Restarts
Teamwork & Fair Play
•Year 3
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter, some on cones for starter activity
Alternative: Size 5 basketballs preferred, size 3 for younger/smaller students
Used to mark centre points for jump ball practice and court boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, or other ground markers
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, wristbands, or headbands
For signaling quarter changes and official game management
Alternative: Hand claps, voice commands, or wooden blocks
To time quarters accurately (1-2 minutes each)
Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock, or countdown timer
Key Vocabulary
A method of starting or restarting play where the referee throws the ball up between two opposing players
To touch the ball lightly with fingertips to direct it to a teammate
The circular area in the middle of the court where jump balls take place
When a team has control of the basketball
When the ball changes from one team to the other due to a rule violation
One of four equal periods that make up a basketball game
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
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