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Lesson 6 - Level 1 Basketball Tournament

Strategic Play & Team Dynamics

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Year 4

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Basketball

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Big Question

How do we win a game of basketball by combining all our skills together?

Learning Objectives

Apply understanding of passing, moving and dribbling to score points in competitive games
Work collaboratively in teams to develop successful attacking strategies
Demonstrate respect and fair play whilst managing competitive games independently

Key Outcomes

Students will combine basketball skills effectively in tournament games
Students will work cooperatively in teams and show respect for opponents
Students will self-manage games and apply rules consistently

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per game (6-8 total)

Check inflation and place at court centres

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for shooting practice

Basketball Hoops

2 per court (4-6 total)

Ensure posts are stable and at appropriate height

Alternative: Football goals, marked target areas on walls

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark clear court boundaries and centre lines

Alternative: Line marking chalk, rope boundaries

Coloured Bibs

4 sets of 7 bibs each

Ensure teams are clearly distinguished

Alternative: Different coloured PE shirts, arm bands

Clipboards

1 per court

Pre-prepared with team names and fixture list

Alternative: Whiteboard, digital scoring app

Stopwatch

1 per court

Set for game duration (8-10 minutes per game)

Alternative: Phone timer, clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other

Round Robin

A tournament format where each team plays every other team once

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving or using the ball effectively

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Strategy

A plan of action designed to achieve a goal

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, showing respect, and accepting results graciously

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball skills: dribbling, passing, catching
Understanding of simple attacking and defending principles
Experience playing modified basketball games

Current Skills

Combining skills in competitive game situations
Team strategy and tactical awareness
Self-management and leadership in games

Next Steps

Advanced basketball tactics and set plays
Position-specific roles and responsibilities
Officiating and coaching skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent successful shooting opportunities created

Effective defensive marking and positioning

Independent game management with fair play

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that winning comes from good teamwork and skill application, not just individual talent
Model and reinforce excellent sportsmanship throughout the tournament
Help teams understand that reflection and improvement matter more than final standings
Ensure all students feel valued regardless of their team's success in the tournament
Use the competitive element to motivate skill development rather than create negative pressure
Highlight specific examples of good play, teamwork, and sportsmanship as they occur
Maintain focus on fun and learning while preserving the authentic challenge of competition

Common Misconceptions

That only the winning team has been successful - address by celebrating all achievements
That individual stars win games - emphasise team success and cooperation throughout
That aggressive play equals good competition - reinforce non-contact rules and respectful play
That mistakes are failures - frame errors as learning opportunities during reflection
That only shooting matters - highlight importance of passing, moving and defending
That louder teams are better teams - teach that effective communication is clear and supportive

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide frequent positive feedback, clear boundaries and expectations, consider shorter game duration if needed

dyspraxia

Allow extra time for skill execution, provide additional practice opportunities, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet space for breaks if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for tournament format

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal commentary during games, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game management, provide written rules and strategies, ensure visual communication methods

physical disability

Modify court size and rules as needed, provide adapted equipment, consider wheelchair basketball variations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Team communication skills, vocabulary development through sports terminology, oral presentation of strategies

Maths

Scoring systems and points calculation, time management during games, statistical analysis of tournament results

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, energy transfer in shooting, cardiovascular effects of sustained exercise

Geography

Court layout and spatial awareness, tactical positioning and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership skills, cooperation and teamwork, managing emotions during competition, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position to observe multiple courts, move actively between games for close observation

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, team cooperation, and maintenance of fair play

Intervention Points

Step in if games become too physical, support teams struggling with sportsmanship, assist with rule disputes

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Circulate with high energy and enthusiasm, model positive sporting behaviour, highlight excellent examples immediately

Verbal Cues

•'Play the ball not the player!'
•'Great teamwork - keep talking!'
•'Show me those passing skills!'
•'Brilliant sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple courts minimum 15m x 10m each, clear of obstacles with 2m safety margins

Surface Check

Non-slip surface suitable for basketball, checked for hazards before tournament

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketball posts securely fixed and appropriate height
•Balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Court boundaries clearly marked with safe materials

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Falls due to quick direction changes
•Contact between players during intense competition
•Fatigue leading to increased injury risk

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise non-contact rules throughout tournament
•Adequate space between courts to prevent cross-court collisions
•Regular reminders about safe play during competitive games
•Monitor fatigue levels and provide rest breaks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of multiple courts simultaneously
•Move actively between games to monitor safety
•Be alert for increased intensity during close games

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation and provide appropriate first aid or support