🏀

Lesson 5 - Shooting Technique in Play

Skill Application & Game Progression

•

Year 4

•

Basketball

•

Big Question

How can we use the BEEF technique to become more accurate shooters and work as a team to create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate shooting technique using the BEEF method (Balance, Elbow, Eye line, Follow through)
To understand when and where to shoot for maximum scoring opportunities
To evaluate and provide technical feedback on shooting performance using appropriate vocabulary

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy using BEEF technique
Students will make better decisions about when to shoot in game situations
Students will use technical language to assess and improve performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15)

Distribute around court perimeter, ensure proper inflation

Alternative: Size 5 balls, playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Basketball Hoops

4-6

Vary heights if possible (8-9 feet), ensure safe landing areas

Alternative: Wall targets, hula hoops hung from posts, marked wall areas

Cones

Mark shooting positions, game area boundaries, and rotation points

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

For team identification in game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Tablets

For recording technique and gathering feedback

Alternative: Video camera, observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

BEEF

Shooting technique acronym: Balance, Elbow, Eye line, Follow through

Triple Threat position

Ready position where you can shoot, pass, or dribble

Follow through

The wrist action at the end of a shot, like waving goodbye to the ball

Arc

The curved flight path of the ball toward the basket

Shooting pocket

The ideal position to hold the ball before shooting, usually at chest/shoulder height

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of Triple Threat position
Experience with simple passing techniques
Knowledge of basic basketball rules

Current Skills

BEEF shooting technique development
Shooting accuracy and consistency
Decision-making in shooting situations
Technical evaluation and feedback skills

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques (layups, different positions)
Complex team attacking strategies
Defensive pressing and man-to-man marking
Game officiating and rule application

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of BEEF technique without prompting

Improved shooting accuracy from practice sessions

Making good shooting decisions in game situations

Using technical vocabulary confidently when evaluating performance

Key Teaching Points

BEEF technique must be practiced consistently - technique before distance or speed
Decision-making in shooting is as important as technique - teach when NOT to shoot
Peer assessment develops technical vocabulary and deeper understanding
Pressure activities should maintain focus on technique not just outcomes
Game application must reinforce practice skills, not abandon them
Recognition should balance attainment (skill level) with achievement (improvement and effort)
Self-assessment builds metacognition and personal responsibility for learning

Common Misconceptions

Power is more important than technique - emphasise accuracy comes from good form
Always try to score when you have the ball - teach when passing is better than shooting
Missing shots means failure - celebrate good technique even when shots miss
Only naturally talented students can be good shooters - emphasise practice and technique
Game situations are different from practice - show how practice skills apply directly to games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate feedback systems, leadership roles to channel energy

dyspraxia

Slower technique breakdown, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns initially, partner support throughout

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedules for lesson sections, quiet zones available, predictable peer partnerships

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, audio cues for shooting technique, tactile markers for shooting positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of BEEF technique, written technique cards, hand signals for game play, visual feedback systems

physical disability

Seated shooting adaptations, modified basket heights, larger or lighter balls, adapted BEEF technique as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions and feedback, descriptive language for performance analysis

Maths

Scoring systems, angles of shots, measurement of distances, counting successful shots and calculating percentages

Science

Forces involved in shooting (push, gravity), trajectory and arc of ball flight, energy transfer from body to ball

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with pressure and disappointment, supporting others' learning and development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between shooting stations to provide individual feedback, position for clear view during game activities

Observation Focus

Watch for BEEF technique consistency, good decision-making in games, positive peer interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if technique deteriorating significantly, unsafe play developing, or students becoming frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate BEEF technique slowly first, then normal speed. Show common mistakes and corrections. Use students as positive examples when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'BEEF recipe - what's your next ingredient?'
•'Trust your technique, even under pressure!'
•'Good shooting opportunity or pass to a teammate?'
•'Use your technical words to help your partner!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, preferably indoor sports hall with basketball courts

Surface Check

Non-slip court surface, clean and dry, free from obstacles and trip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated to correct pressure
•Hoops securely mounted at appropriate heights
•Cones placed safely without sharp edges
•Filming equipment positioned away from active play areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or head during shooting practice
•Collisions between students moving to collect rebounds
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear shooting directions established with no crossing paths
•Safe ball recovery procedures taught and enforced
•Adequate spacing maintained during all activities
•Regular rest periods built into lesson structure
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all shooting areas
•Monitor high-activity areas like rebounding zones
•Check equipment regularly throughout lesson
•Watch for signs of fatigue in competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if serious, continue with modified activities if minor