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Lesson 2 - Protective Dribbling Skills

Foundational Skills & Game Basics

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Year 4

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Basketball

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can I use my body as a shield to keep possession of the ball when under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To use protective dribbling effectively against an opponent
To demonstrate control while dribbling towards a target
To apply basketball rules consistently during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully protect the ball using body positioning and arm placement
Students will demonstrate improved ball control when moving towards goals
Students will show understanding of double dribble and travelling rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distribute around area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs or playground balls for easier handling

Team bibs

15 (enough for half the class)

Separate into two distinct colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured pinnies or simple team markers

Cones

Use to create boundaries and scoring zones for games

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines on playground

Coloured Cones

3 (red, amber, green)

Large enough for all students to see from distance

Alternative: Coloured cards or hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Protective Dribbling

Turning your body to create a barrier between the defender and the ball while dribbling

V-Dribble

Dribbling the ball hand to hand in a V-shape to change direction quickly

Double Dribble

Illegal move where a player dribbles, stops to hold the ball, then dribbles again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling or taking too many steps

Possession

Having control of the ball with both hands or maintaining legal dribbling

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from Lesson 1
Understanding of personal space and movement
Introduction to basketball equipment

Current Skills

Protective dribbling techniques
Body positioning for ball protection
Rule application in competitive situations

Next Steps

Passing under pressure
Shooting techniques and accuracy
Advanced game tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of non-dribbling arm for protection

Quick decision-making between V-dribble and protective dribble

Maintenance of ball control under defensive pressure

Key Teaching Points

Turn your back to create a barrier between defender and ball
Extend non-dribbling arm to create additional protective space
Maintain low centre of gravity with bent knees for stability
Keep ball on side furthest from defender while dribbling
Use V-dribble to change direction when space allows
Apply rules consistently - no double dribble or travelling
Make tactical decisions based on defensive pressure and positioning

Common Misconceptions

Thinking protective dribbling means hiding the ball completely
Believing you must always use the same dribbling technique
Assuming speed is more important than control and technique
Thinking physical contact is acceptable in basketball
Believing rules don't apply during game situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement as positive outlet

dyspraxia

Simplify initial techniques, provide extra practice time, use larger balls initially for easier control

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted partner for support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt protective positioning for wheelchair users, use lighter balls, modify playing areas as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful defences, measuring playing areas, timing activities, analysing success percentages

Science

Forces and motion in ball control, body mechanics and leverage, balance and centre of gravity

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and honesty, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, central position for demonstrations, corner positioning during games for full visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct body positioning, ball control maintenance, fair play, and skill progression

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, safety concerns arise, or rules violations occur

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students as examples, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Back to the defender!'
•'Arm out for protection!'
•'Low and strong!'
•'Trust your technique!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple areas of minimum 10m x 10m for games, larger 20m x 20m area for group activities

Surface Check

Clean, dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones are visible and have no sharp edges
•Team bands/bibs checked for tears or safety hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during movement activities
•Loss of ball control leading to trips/falls
•Inappropriate physical contact during defensive play
•Overexertion during continuous dribbling activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•No physical contact rules emphasised and enforced
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving to game application
•Regular rest periods and rotation of activities
•Appropriate grouping and partner matching

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas during games
•Move between groups during partner work for individual guidance
•Monitor intensity levels and adjust activity demands
•Ensure fair play rules are consistently applied

Emergency Procedures

Clear stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact protocols in place