Lesson 5 - Losing a Defender
Foundational Skills & Game Basics
•Year 4
•Basketball
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How can we use our body movement to create space and help our team score?
Learning Objectives
- To be able to lose a defender using changes of direction and speed
- To recognise when teammates are free and make effective passes
- To move into spaces to help the team progress towards scoring
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective dodging techniques to lose defenders
- Students will show awareness of teammates and make successful passes when free
- Students will apply movement skills in small-sided game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation levels before lesson
Alternative: Playground balls, netballs if basketballs unavailable
Distribute around perimeter and for activity boundaries
Alternative: Spots or markers
Ensure clear colour distinction between teams
Alternative: Different coloured bibs or pinnards
Key Vocabulary
A quick movement to one side to avoid or get past a defender
Altering speed from slow to fast or fast to slow to confuse defenders
An area on the court where there are no defenders
The player trying to prevent the attacking team from scoring
The player or team trying to score points
The area where teams must catch passes to score points
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and passing techniques
- Understanding of personal space and moving safely
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Changing direction to evade defenders
- Using changes of pace effectively
- Reading when teammates are in free space
- Making quick decisions under pressure
Next Steps
- Combining dodging with immediate passing
- Advanced team movement patterns
- Defensive positioning and marking strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Plant the foot closest to the cone when changing direction to generate maximum power
- Drop shoulder low in direction of change to maintain balance and deceive opponents
- Use change of pace combined with direction change for most effective dodging
- Communication is key - call for the ball when free and celebrate teammates' success
- Quality of movement is more important than speed when learning new techniques
- Spread out to use all available space and create more opportunities for team success
- Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development
Common Misconceptions
- Students think faster is always better - emphasise control and technique over speed
- Students believe they must always try to score - teach value of passing to free teammates
- Students think dodging is just about running fast - highlight importance of deception and body position
- Students assume defenders can't be beaten - build confidence through progressive skill development
- Students focus only on individual success - emphasise team play and supporting others
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear physical boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement-based learning
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for coordination skills, larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, step-by-step verbal cues
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, established routines for transitions, quiet zones available, predictable activity structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured equipment, provide verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, simple hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated versions of dodging with upper body movements, modified equipment like larger/lighter balls, adapted distances and spaces
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Vocabulary development with sports terminology, communication skills during games, following and giving instructions
Maths
Counting passes and scores, measuring distances for playing areas, timing activities and challenges
Science
Forces in push-off movements, friction and grip with footwear, heart rate changes during exercise
Geography
Directional changes using compass points, spatial awareness and mapping of movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of activities for clear sightlines, position diagonally during games to see both teams
Observation Focus
Watch for correct footwork during direction changes, appropriate defensive pressure, communication between teammates
Intervention Points
Step in when defensive play becomes too physical, when students struggle with technique, when groups need re-balancing
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations whenever possible, exaggerate movements for visibility, break down complex skills into simple steps
Verbal Cues
- •'Plant and push!' for direction changes
- •'Low shoulders!' for body position
- •'Call for it!' to encourage communication
- •'Quick feet!' for agility
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, debris or hazards that could cause falls during direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Team bands should be clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during dodging activities
- •Ankle injuries from quick direction changes
- •Falls from losing balance during movement
- •Ball strikes from poor passing or catching
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and communicated
- •Adequate spacing maintained between groups
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Emphasis on controlled movements over speed
- •Fair play rules enforced consistently
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during games closely
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
- •Ensure appropriate physical contact levels during defending
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if medical attention needed