Lesson 5 - Introducing Marking in Basketball
Strategic Play & Team Dynamics
•Year 4
•Basketball
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How can we use our body position and movement to prevent our opponents from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To understand the concept of marking and its importance in defending
- To develop the ability to mark an opponent without making contact
- To apply marking skills in game situations to prevent attacking opportunities
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to follow and mark an attacker's movements effectively
- Students will understand when and why to mark in basketball
- Students will demonstrate safe marking techniques without physical contact
Equipment & Resources Required
Balls stored safely at side of court when not in use
Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls if basketballs unavailable
Scattered around court area for marking practice
Alternative: Bean bags or chalk marks on playground
Used to distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands
For clear start/stop signals and game management
Alternative: Voice commands if whistle unavailable
Key Vocabulary
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving the ball or making an easy pass
The team without the ball trying to prevent the other team from scoring
Making it difficult for the attacking team by staying close and forcing quick decisions
Which team currently has control of the ball
The scoring area that attackers must reach with the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic movement skills - running, stopping, changing direction
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Basic ball handling skills from previous basketball lessons
Current Skills
- Introduction to defensive positioning and marking
- Following an opponent's movements without contact
- Understanding role changes from attacker to defender
Next Steps
- Advanced marking techniques including double teaming
- Intercepting passes and regaining possession
- Team defensive strategies and communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Marking means staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving or passing the ball easily
- Maintain arm's length distance - close enough to influence but never making physical contact
- When your team loses possession, immediately find an opponent to mark
- Good marking requires quick feet, good balance, and constant attention to opponent's movements
- Effective defending is about positioning and pressure, not physical contact
- Team defending means everyone has marking responsibilities, not just some players
- The best defenders anticipate opponent's movements by watching hips and shoulders
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'I should try to steal the ball from the attacker' - Correction: 'Focus on marking the player, not grabbing the ball'
- Misconception: 'I only need to defend when they're near our goal' - Correction: 'Good defending starts as soon as we lose possession anywhere on court'
- Misconception: 'I can push or hold the attacker to stop them' - Correction: 'Use your position and movement, never physical contact'
- Misconception: 'One person can defend for the whole team' - Correction: 'Basketball defending is a team job - everyone must mark someone'
- Misconception: 'I should stay far away so I don't foul them' - Correction: 'Stay close enough to make them uncomfortable, just don't touch'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short activity bursts with clear start/stop signals, regular movement breaks built into activities, clear boundaries and rules, immediate feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for movement patterns, simplified marking distances initially, step-by-step breakdown of complex movements
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routines for each activity, consistent structure with predictable transitions, quiet zones available, social stories about teamwork and defending
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured bibs for team identification, verbal descriptions of marking positions, partner system with sighted buddy, audio cues for game situations
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all marking techniques, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards, clear visual boundaries for all activities
physical disability
- Seated marking versions using wheelchair positioning, modified court size, adapted equipment like larger/softer balls, focus on upper body marking movements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting 5-second violations, measuring distances for marking, angles of movement and positioning, spatial awareness and geometry of court positioning
Science
Understanding balance and centre of gravity during marking, forces applied during movement changes, reaction times and reflexes
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation in defence, managing emotions when under pressure, leadership roles in organising team defence, respect for opponents and rules
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of court area for maximum visibility, move between groups during practice activities
Observation Focus
Watch for appropriate marking distance, quick defensive transitions, team communication and cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if physical contact occurs, if students becoming frustrated with defensive pressure, or if marking becoming too passive to be effective
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show proper marking distance, demonstrate with confident student as partner, emphasise safety throughout all demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay close but don't touch!'
- •'Follow like a shadow!'
- •'Quick feet, stay balanced!'
- •'Mark someone, mark someone!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m clear area, indoor hall or outdoor hard court surface
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Bibs clean and appropriate size
- •All equipment stored safely when not in use
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during marking
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Overly physical contact during marking
- •Ball strikes during passing practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear 'no contact' rule established and reinforced throughout
- •Adequate spacing between pairs and groups
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Regular safety reminders about appropriate distance
- •Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position at corner of area for full court visibility
- •Move between groups during practice activities
- •Monitor marking activities for appropriate contact levels
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if contact occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, modify activity if needed to ensure safety