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Lesson 4 - Jump Stop and Pivot

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 jump stops and pivots help us become more effective basketball players?

Learning Objectives

To perform a jump stop with control and balance
To execute a pivot whilst protecting the ball
To apply jump stops and pivots effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling with increasing accuracy
Students will execute jump stops and pivots in practice and game situations
Students will understand the tactical importance of jump stops and pivots in basketball

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-distribute around teaching area perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls for younger students

Team bibs

15 (for End Zones activity)

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured cones to identify teams

Cones

15 (for Dribble, Stop, Pivot, Pass activity)

Placed 5m from starting line for each pair

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or spots

Key Vocabulary

Jump stop

Landing on both feet simultaneously after dribbling to achieve balance and control

Pivot

Rotating on one foot whilst keeping it planted to change direction whilst holding the ball

Pivot foot

The foot that remains planted on the ground during a pivot movement

Ball protection

Using body position and arm placement to shield the ball from defenders

Double dribble

Illegally dribbling the ball again after stopping or using both hands

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of travelling and double dribble rules
Basic passing and catching techniques

Current Skills

Jump stop technique and timing
Pivot footwork with ball protection
Combining dribble, jump stop, and pivot in sequence

Next Steps

Advanced pivoting techniques
Jump stops from running at speed
Using pivots to create shooting opportunities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent balance during jump stops

Smooth pivot transitions

Effective use in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Jump stops require controlled two-foot landing with bent knees for balance and safety
Pivot foot must remain planted - emphasise 'glued to the floor' concept
Ball protection during pivots uses high elbows and body position
Skills must be practised slowly before applying at game speed
Fair play and honesty are as important as technical skill development
Progressive difficulty from individual to partner to game application
Communication and teamwork enhance tactical understanding

Common Misconceptions

Students think jump stops require high jumps - emphasise small jump with big knee bend
Many students move their pivot foot - use 'glued to floor' analogy consistently
Students often forget ball protection during pivots - stress defensive awareness
Some students rush through skills - emphasise control over speed
Students may think pivoting is just spinning around - clarify purposeful movement to find teammates
Common belief that basketball is only for tall people - emphasise skill over height

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use high-energy activities, regular feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Larger basketballs initially, slower progression through skills, extra practice time for motor planning, simplified instructions

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if needed, consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for guidance during activities

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game commands, ensure student can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Adapt to seated basketball skills, modify pivot to upper body rotation, use larger/lighter balls, reduce court size

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving instructions, communication during games, descriptive vocabulary for movements

Maths

Counting bounces and passes, measuring distances for cone placement, angles of pivot movement, timing sequences

Science

Forces during jump stops, balance and centre of gravity, friction between feet and surface

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honesty and fair play, supporting others, dealing with competition pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during practice to observe all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Jump stop balance and control, correct pivot footwork, ball protection during pivots, application in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, unsafe practice observed, or game becoming too physical

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate common mistakes as well as correct technique, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Small jump, big knee bend!'
•'One foot glued down!'
•'Elbows high to protect!'
•'Balance first, then move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor space or outdoor hard surface area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential for jump stops and pivots, check for wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones have rounded edges and stable base
•Team bands/bibs clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Slips during jump stops on unsuitable surfaces
•Collisions during dribbling activities
•Ankle injuries from incorrect pivot technique
•Ball strikes from inaccurate passing

Risk Mitigation

•Ensure adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Teach correct landing technique for jump stops
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Emphasis on control over speed throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe maximum number of students during practice
•Pay particular attention to pivot technique to prevent ankle injuries
•Monitor game intensity to prevent over-competitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed