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Lesson 8 - Basketball Tournament Application

Foundational Skills & Game Basics

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Year 4

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use all our basketball skills together to play fair and exciting games in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply previously learned basketball skills in a competitive tournament format
To demonstrate understanding of basketball rules and apply them consistently during games
To show positive character traits including teamwork, honesty, and sportsmanship throughout competition

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully participate in a mini basketball tournament using learned skills
Students will demonstrate rule knowledge and fair play during competitive games
Students will show positive attitudes and sportsmanship regardless of game outcomes

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

One ball per court/game area, extras available for warm-up

Alternative: Size 5 or 6 basketballs, playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Team bibs

30 (6 different colours)

Distribute 5 bands per team, ensure clear colour differentiation

Alternative: Coloured pinnards, team shirts, or coloured cones for team identification

Score Sheets

1 per tournament format

Choose four-team or six-team format based on class size

Alternative: Whiteboard for recording scores, tablet/phone scoring app

Posts

Adjust height if possible, mark shooting areas if posts unavailable

Alternative: Netball posts, target areas marked on walls, or line ball format

Cones

Mark court boundaries, half-way lines, and game areas clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape marks, or natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple games to determine winners

Double Dribble

Illegal move when a player dribbles with both hands or stops dribbling then starts again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling it

Foul

Illegal physical contact with another player

Half Court

Game format where teams play on half the court towards one basket

Sportsmanship

Fair play, respect for opponents, and positive behaviour in sport

Referee

Person who enforces the rules and makes decisions during a game

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball handling skills including dribbling and passing
Understanding of double dribble, travelling, and contact rules
Experience with shooting and basic offensive/defensive movements

Current Skills

Application of all basketball skills in competitive game situations
Consistent rule application and understanding during tournament play
Development of sportsmanship and positive character traits

Next Steps

Advanced basketball tactics and team strategies
Leadership roles in organising and officiating sports events
Transfer of basketball skills to other invasion games

Milestone Indicators

Students can play full games using correct rules consistently

Teams demonstrate positive behaviours regardless of score

Students can officiate games fairly and confidently

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success includes sportsmanship and character development as much as winning games
Consistent rule application ensures fairness and helps develop personal integrity in competitive situations
Team reflection and goal-setting between games improves performance and collaborative skills
Positive recognition of opponents' good behaviour builds respect and community in competitive sport
Referee responsibilities teach decision-making, confidence, and understanding of fair play principles
Half-court format develops tactical understanding while maximising participation opportunities
Character traits displayed in sport transfer to other areas of life and learning

Common Misconceptions

Students may think winning is the only measure of success - emphasise character and improvement equally
Some may believe rules can be bent in friendly games - stress that rules ensure fairness always
Players might think individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight collaborative achievements
Students may assume referee decisions are personal - teach respect for official decisions regardless
Some might believe competitive games excuse poor behaviour - maintain standards throughout tournament
Players may think they need advanced skills to contribute - show how basic skills help team success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with regular breaks, clear role definitions, positive reinforcement for following rules

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified court markings, extra practice time for skill application

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure with visual schedule, designated quiet area for breaks, consistent referee procedures

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and team bands, provide clear verbal commentary of game progress, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Clear visual referee signals, written tournament brackets and rules, ensure visual contact for instructions

physical disability

Wheelchair basketball adaptations, modified court size, seated shooting options, adapted passing rules

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication during games, articulating tactical thoughts, presenting team reflections confidently

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating team points, understanding brackets and progression, timing games accurately

Science

Heart rate changes during competition, forces involved in basketball movements, friction and grip on court surfaces

PSHE

Character development through sport, managing emotions in competition, showing respect for others, building resilience

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location to observe multiple games, rotate between courts to provide support and feedback

Observation Focus

Balance of skill development, rule application, and positive character traits during competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, support struggling referees, address poor sportsmanship immediately

Demonstration Notes

Model positive sportsmanship language, demonstrate clear referee signals, show examples of good team collaboration

Verbal Cues

•'Excellent passing - that's real teamwork!'
•'Great sportsmanship there - well done!'
•'Remember to dribble or pass to half-way line first!'
•'Fantastic rule knowledge - honest play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 25m per court, adaptable for multiple smaller courts, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for any wet areas, ensure adequate grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure team bands are secure but not too tight
•Verify basketball posts are stable and at appropriate height
•Cones placed safely to mark boundaries without creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Falls due to quick direction changes and competitive intensity
•Ball strikes to head or body during passing and shooting
•Overexertion during extended tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries to prevent collisions between games
•Adequate rest periods between games for recovery
•Referee oversight to manage physical contact levels
•Immediate stop procedures for any safety concerns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple courts simultaneously
•Monitor high-intensity areas near baskets
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure referees are maintaining safe play standards

Emergency Procedures

Immediate whistle stop for injuries, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, clear area if needed