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Lesson 5 - Losing a Defender

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 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

Basketball

Check inflation levels before lesson

Alternative: Playground balls, netballs if basketballs unavailable

Cones

Distribute around perimeter and for activity boundaries

Alternative: Spots or markers

Team bibs

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Different coloured bibs or pinnards

Key Vocabulary

Dodge

A quick movement to one side to avoid or get past a defender

Change of pace

Altering speed from slow to fast or fast to slow to confuse defenders

Free space

An area on the court where there are no defenders

Defender

The player trying to prevent the attacking team from scoring

Attacker

The player or team trying to score points

End zone

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

Students can change direction without slowing down significantly

Students make eye contact before passing

Students move immediately after passing

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