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Lesson 3 - Passing and Ball Protection

Skill Application & Game Progression

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Year 4

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use different types of passes to keep possession and create scoring opportunities in basketball?

Learning Objectives

I can pass the ball using good techniques including chest pass and bounce pass
I can protect the ball while dribbling and communicate effectively
I can demonstrate self-motivation and confidence in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute chest passes and bounce passes with correct technique
Students will demonstrate effective ball protection and communication skills
Students will show confidence and engagement in competitive basketball situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Check inflation, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for younger students

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Various colours for gates activity, stored in corner initially

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Sun Markers

1 basketball court or marked area

Clear boundaries established with cones if needed

Alternative: Playground markings, coned area 20m x 30m

Stopwatch

Visible to teacher for timed challenges

Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A fundamental basketball pass delivered from chest height to teammate's chest height

Bounce Pass

A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver

Ball Protection

Using body position and non-dribbling hand to shield the ball from defenders

Target

The specific area or person you aim for when passing

Communication

Using voice and body language to signal intentions to teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of personal space and court boundaries
Experience with cooperative basketball activities

Current Skills

Chest pass technique and execution
Bounce pass technique and application
Ball protection strategies
Communication during passing sequences

Next Steps

Passing under defensive pressure
Advanced passing variations
Team passing strategies and court positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passes over 5-metre distances

Effective use of non-dribbling hand for ball protection

Clear verbal and non-verbal communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise the four-step passing sequence: Catch, Step, Push, Follow
Teach proper ball protection using non-dribbling hand as barrier
Encourage constant communication between teammates
Focus on accuracy over speed in all passing activities
Celebrate effort and improvement, not just successful outcomes
Model positive competitive attitude and good sportsmanship
Use clear, specific feedback related to technique and tactics

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder passes are always better - emphasise controlled, catchable passes
Believing bounce passes are easier - explain when each pass type is most effective
Assuming competitive games are only about winning - stress learning and improvement
Not understanding role of communication - demonstrate how talking helps teammates
Thinking ball protection is selfish - show how it helps team maintain possession

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger/softer balls, reduced complexity initially, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structures, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified equipment, adapted distances, alternative roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving instructions, describing techniques

Maths

Counting passes, measuring distances, angles for bounce passes, time challenges

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of reflection for bounce passes, energy transfer

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience, handling competition, supporting others, self-assessment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, effective communication, positive competitive attitude

Intervention Points

Step in if passing technique is unsafe, competitive pressure becomes negative, or students are struggling

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students as partners, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Catch, step, push, follow!'
•'Show your target!'
•'Great protective barrier!'
•'Communicate with your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Basketball court or marked area minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate court markings

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify adequate equipment for all students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during competitive activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safety zones established
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent aggressive play
•Teach proper catching technique to avoid ball strikes

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during competitive games
•Be alert for students showing signs of fatigue
•Intervene quickly in any unsafe situations

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact office if needed