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Lesson 2 - Passing and Attacking in Pairs

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 work together as a team to create scoring opportunities through effective passing and movement?

Learning Objectives

To develop chest passing technique for short, accurate passes
To understand and demonstrate the role of an assist in basketball
To apply the shoot-pass-dribble decision-making hierarchy in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute chest passes with correct technique over 1-2 metre distances
Students will work cooperatively in pairs to create and convert scoring opportunities
Students will demonstrate understanding of when to shoot, pass, or dribble in attacking situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around activity areas, properly inflated

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls

Cones

8-10

Positioned as targets in each playing area

Alternative: Tall markers, bowling pins, plastic bottles

Markers

Mark out 4 playing areas and freeze tag boundaries

Alternative: Bibs, bean bags, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (3 colours, 5 each)

For identifying teams and roles in activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A short, accurate pass thrown from chest level using both hands, typically used when not closely marked

Assist

A pass that directly leads to a teammate scoring a basket

Attacking

When a team has possession of the ball and is trying to score

Decision-making hierarchy

The order of priorities: 1) Shoot 2) Pass 3) Dribble

Possession

Having control of the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and dribbling skills from previous lessons
Understanding of shooting technique and target aiming
Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Chest passing technique with proper form and accuracy
Cooperative attacking play through assists
Decision-making hierarchy: shoot, pass, dribble

Next Steps

More complex passing combinations and team plays
Introduction of defensive strategies and counter-attacks
Game situations with increased numbers and complexity

Milestone Indicators

Consistent chest passing over 2-3 metre distances

Successful assist completion leading to scoring opportunities

Clear demonstration of decision-making process in games

Key Teaching Points

Chest pass technique: thumbs behind ball, step toward target, follow through with wrists
Decision-making hierarchy: always look to shoot first, then pass, then dribble
Assist concept: passing to directly help a teammate score immediately
Cooperative attacking: working together to create and convert scoring opportunities
Ball control: keeping possession while moving and under pressure
Communication: talking to teammates and using signals to coordinate play
Spatial awareness: understanding positioning relative to teammates, opponents, and targets

Common Misconceptions

Thinking any pass counts as an assist - clarify it must lead directly to scoring
Believing dribbling is always the best option - emphasise shoot and pass come first
Assuming chest passes are for long distances - clarify they're for short, accurate passes
Thinking basketball is only individual play - emphasise teamwork and cooperation
Believing you must always move fast - stress control and decision-making over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, clear boundary markers, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet zones available if needed, clear expectations and rules

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, use sound cues

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions on display board, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapt passing height and distance as needed, seated basketball options, modified equipment (larger/softer balls), alternative roles in games

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Using descriptive language to explain techniques, following and giving instructions, developing sport-specific vocabulary

Science

Understanding forces in passing (push and pull), trajectory of ball flight, body systems working during exercise

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when attempts don't succeed, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at edge of playing area with clear view of all groups, move between groups to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for proper chest passing technique, cooperative teamwork, understanding of decision-making hierarchy

Intervention Points

Step in if players make physical contact, if technique becomes unsafe, or if students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating chest pass technique, involve confident students as demonstration partners, model positive communication and sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Chest to chest - that's the target!'
•'Step and push through!'
•'First look to shoot, then pass, then dribble!'
•'Help your teammate succeed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor hard court surface, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, level surface with appropriate grip, no loose equipment or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are stable and have no sharp edges
•Verify boundaries are clearly marked and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during movement
•Ball strikes to face or body during passing
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Overexertion during activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement areas
•Teach proper chest passing technique to avoid wild throws
•Emphasise controlled movement over speed
•No physical contact allowed between defenders and attackers
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all activity areas simultaneously
•Monitor spacing between groups during activities
•Watch for appropriate technique and safe play
•Ensure defenders understand no-contact rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury occurs