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Lesson 3 - Chest and Bounce Passing

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 choose the right pass to beat defenders and keep possession?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate chest and bounce passing techniques
To recognise when to use different types of passes in game situations
To improve decision-making when passing under defensive pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled chest and bounce passes
Students will select appropriate passes based on defensive positions
Students will work cooperatively in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

Distributed around area perimeter, check inflation levels

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for passing practice

Team bibs

Two different colours for team games

Alternative: Different coloured cones for team identification

Cones

Mark playing areas and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, spots for boundary marking

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A basketball pass thrown from chest level using both hands, aimed at the receiver's chest

Bounce pass

A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver

Intercept

When a defender catches or deflects a pass intended for the opposing team

Possession

Having control of the ball and the opportunity to attack

Unmarked

A player who is not closely guarded by an opponent

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Simple throwing and passing movements
Understanding of personal and general space

Current Skills

Chest pass technique with accuracy
Bounce pass execution and timing
Decision-making between different pass types
Defensive awareness when passing

Next Steps

Overhead passing techniques
Fast break passing combinations
Advanced game situations and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent two-handed catching without fumbling

Accurate passes over 3-4 metre distances

Quick decision-making between pass types

Effective passing under light defensive pressure

Key Teaching Points

Chest pass: hands either side of ball with elbows out for protection
Both pass types use same technique - only aim point differs
Bounce pass bounces two-thirds of way to receiver for chest-height delivery
Pass selection depends on defensive pressure - high defence needs bounce pass
Catching requires active hands reaching out to meet the ball
Communication between teammates essential for successful passing
Quality technique more important than speed in skill development

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bounce pass needs different hand technique - it's the same as chest pass
Believing passes should be thrown high to avoid defenders - flat passes are harder to intercept
Assuming faster passing is always better - controlled passing with good technique is more effective
Thinking only chest passes work in basketball - bounce passes are equally important tactically
Believing catching is passive - active reaching and secure ball control are essential

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks, specific responsibilities and roles

dyspraxia

Larger equipment initially, slower progression pace, extra practice time, demonstration with physical guidance if needed

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice space available, consistent partner throughout lesson

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial guidance, audio signals for game changes

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written task cards available, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated passing variations, larger/softer balls, modified catching techniques, adjusted distances and group sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving instructions and feedback, descriptive language for movements and tactics

Maths

Counting passes accurately, measuring distances for passing practice, angles for bounce pass trajectory, data collection for pass completion rates

Science

Forces and motion in ball passing, friction and surface effects on bounce passes, reaction time in catching and defending

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, respecting others' abilities, celebrating effort over outcome

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between pairs/groups for individual feedback, use corner positions during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand position, ball trajectory, catching technique, and tactical decision-making in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if technique breakdown occurs, if students become frustrated with catching, or if competitive games become too intense

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, show technique slowly first then at game speed, involve volunteers in tactical demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Push from chest, not throw!'
•'Elbows out to protect the ball!'
•'Two-thirds of the way for bounce pass!'
•'Read the defender - arms up or down?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space or outdoor hard court surface

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water, debris, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated (not over-inflated)
•Inspect balls for damage or rough surfaces
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions during movement
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Finger injuries during catching

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing established
•Controlled passing distances maintained
•Progressive skill building from stationary to movement
•Emphasis on controlled movements rather than speed
•Two-handed catching technique emphasised

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor game intensity to prevent over-competitiveness
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure equipment properly controlled during discussions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately with clear 'STOP' command, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if required