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Lesson 2 - Dribbling Control & Awareness

Skill Application & Game Progression

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Year 4

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we maintain ball control while being aware of our environment and making quick decisions?

Learning Objectives

To develop dribbling skills whilst maintaining control and awareness of surroundings
To understand and apply basketball terminology including double dribble, travelling, and triple threat
To evaluate performance using correct technical language

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control whilst dribbling in various situations
Students will identify and explain basketball rules and terminology accurately
Students will provide constructive feedback using appropriate technical vocabulary

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Check inflation levels before lesson

Alternative: Size 5 footballs if basketballs unavailable

Cones

60 (2 per student)

Different colours for each pair

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Coloured Bibs

6 for bulldogs/sharks

Bright colours for visibility

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Stopwatch

For timing gate activities

Alternative: Phone timer

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand whilst moving

Double Dribble

Using two hands to dribble at the same time or stopping and starting dribbling again

Travelling

Moving your feet without dribbling the ball

Triple Threat

A balanced stance where you can shoot, pass, or dribble

Pivoting

Turning on one foot whilst keeping the other foot planted

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from Unit 3
Understanding of personal space
Basic catching and bouncing techniques

Current Skills

Dribbling with control whilst moving
Maintaining awareness whilst handling the ball
Understanding basketball terminology and rules

Next Steps

Dribbling under pressure from defenders
Passing whilst on the move
Small-sided game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control without looking at ball

Correct application of basketball rules

Using technical language confidently

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise fingertip control rather than palm contact with ball
Maintain head up position for environmental awareness during dribbling
Apply basketball rules consistently: no double dribble or travelling
Use technical vocabulary when giving feedback to partners
Balance speed with control - violations cost points in challenges
Basketball is non-contact: defenders can only touch the ball
Protect the ball using body positioning when under pressure

Common Misconceptions

Double dribble only means using two hands (actually includes stopping and starting)
Travelling only occurs when running (actually any movement without dribbling)
Defenders can make contact with dribblers (basketball is non-contact sport)
Looking at ball improves control (head up position allows better decision making)
Speed is more important than control (violations negate speed advantages)
Technical language is only for experts (all students can use basketball vocabulary)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Slower ball initially, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet practice zones available, consistent language and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation, tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, buddy system for communication, visual signals for stops and starts

physical disability

Seated dribbling variations, larger balls for easier handling, modified court size, adapted games with wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving descriptive feedback, listening skills during instructions

Maths

Counting gates scored, timing activities, measuring cone distances, calculating improvement percentages

Science

Forces in ball bouncing, friction between ball and court, body movement and balance principles

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, honest self-assessment, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities for full court visibility, central position during demonstrations and discussions

Observation Focus

Ball control quality, rule application, spatial awareness, peer interaction quality, technical language usage

Intervention Points

Step in when rules violations occur, assist struggling students with technique, facilitate better peer feedback, adjust challenge level as needed

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate perfect technique first, then show common mistakes for comparison, use students to demonstrate good examples when appropriate, emphasise key coaching points visually

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, ball close!'
•'Use your basketball words!'
•'Protect that ball!'
•'Eyes up, trust your hands!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or sports hall minimum 20m x 30m

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Loss of ball control leading to trips
•Contact during defending activities
•Fatigue affecting concentration

Risk Mitigation

•Establish and enforce non-contact rules clearly
•Ensure adequate spacing during all activities
•Progressive skill building before pressure situations
•Clear boundaries and safe zones identified

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during games
•Monitor bulldogs/sharks for legal play only
•Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly
•Ensure eliminated players remain engaged safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, clear space for treatment