Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Control
Foundational Skills & Game Basics
•Year 4
•Basketball
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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
Check balls are properly inflated - should bounce to waist height when dropped from shoulder level
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls if basketballs unavailable
Use to mark starting positions and scoring lines for activities
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines on playground
For distinguishing attackers from defenders in partner activities
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands
Key Vocabulary
Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand while moving or stationary
An illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again, or dribbles with both hands simultaneously
Moving with the ball without dribbling, which is against basketball rules
Alternating the ball between hands in a V-shaped pattern to evade defenders
The ability to maintain possession and manipulate the ball effectively
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
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