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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control

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 I use dribbling skills to maintain possession and move towards my target effectively?

Learning Objectives

To develop the attacking skill of dribbling with increasing control
To understand and apply basketball rules during gameplay
To use tactical awareness when moving with the ball towards a target

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling technique using correct hand positioning and body posture
Students will apply dribbling rules consistently during game situations
Students will show tactical decision-making when faced with defensive pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

30 (1 per student)

Check balls are properly inflated - should bounce to waist height when dropped from shoulder level

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Cones

Use to mark starting positions and scoring lines for activities

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines on playground

Bibs

15 (half the class)

For distinguishing attackers from defenders in partner activities

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand while moving or stationary

Double Dribble

An illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again, or dribbles with both hands simultaneously

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling, which is against basketball rules

V-Dribble

Alternating the ball between hands in a V-shaped pattern to evade defenders

Ball Control

The ability to maintain possession and manipulate the ball effectively

Defender

The player trying to prevent the attacker from scoring or advancing

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can catch and throw a ball with basic accuracy
Students understand the concept of personal space
Students can follow simple game rules
Students have basic coordination and balance skills

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling at waist height with wide fingers
Understanding of double dribble and travelling rules
Use of V-dribble technique for direction changes
Basic tactical awareness in 1v1 situations

Next Steps

Dribbling while under defensive pressure
Combining dribbling with passing and shooting
Advanced ball handling skills and crossover dribbles
Team-based attacking strategies

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control for 30+ seconds without losing possession

Successfully demonstrates V-dribble on command

Applies rules correctly without teacher reminders

Shows confidence when moving with ball towards target

Key Teaching Points

Dribble at waist height using fingertips not palms for optimal control
Keep knees slightly bent in athletic position for balance and reaction
Maintain ball position slightly in front and to the side of body
Keep head up to see teammates, opponents and available space
Use V-dribble technique to change direction and evade defenders
Apply rules consistently - no double dribbling or travelling violations
Emphasise honesty and fair play as fundamental to sport participation

Common Misconceptions

Students think dribbling faster equals better control - emphasise control over speed
Belief that looking at the ball improves control - teach peripheral vision use
Assumption that rules only apply in formal games - establish rules in all activities
Thinking only dominant hand needs development - encourage ambidextrous practice
Misconception that physical contact is acceptable in defending - teach legal defensive positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, slow down demonstrations, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller components, celebrate progress

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual timetable, consistent routines, quiet zones available if overstimulated, use specific praise

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, partner with sighted peer for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written rule cards, hand signals for game commands, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Modify to seated dribbling where appropriate, use larger/softer balls, adjust distances and targets, focus on effort over outcome

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development through basketball terminology, following complex instructions, verbal reasoning in rule explanations

Maths

Counting successful attempts, measuring distances for 1v1 games, calculating bounce patterns and angles

Science

Forces and motion in ball bouncing, reaction times in defensive situations, physics of ball control

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, honesty and fair play, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively around the teaching area to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations and instructions

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positioning, ball control, rule compliance, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in when technique significantly poor, rules consistently violated, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show correct technique, demonstrate common mistakes for comparison, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands, wide fingers!'
•'Ball at waist height!'
•'Keep the bounce close!'
•'Head up, see the space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hard surface area, clear of obstacles and with defined boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from hazards, suitable for ball bouncing with predictable rebounds

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated to manufacturer specifications
•Cones with rounded edges and stable base
•Regular equipment inspection for wear and damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball-related injuries from unpredictable bounces
•Collisions between students during dribbling practice
•Slips and falls on hard surface
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing requirements established
•Progressive skill development from stationary to moving practice
•Emphasis on control over speed throughout activities
•Active supervision during all competitive elements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all students during skill practice
•Move around area during 1v1 games to monitor multiple pairs
•Pay particular attention during backwards movement activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required