Lesson 2 - Passing and Attacking in Pairs
Teamwork & Fair Play
•Year 3
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around activity areas, properly inflated
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls
Positioned as targets in each playing area
Alternative: Tall markers, bowling pins, plastic bottles
Mark out 4 playing areas and freeze tag boundaries
Alternative: Bibs, bean bags, chalk lines
For identifying teams and roles in activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
A short, accurate pass thrown from chest level using both hands, typically used when not closely marked
A pass that directly leads to a teammate scoring a basket
When a team has possession of the ball and is trying to score
The order of priorities: 1) Shoot 2) Pass 3) Dribble
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
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