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Lesson 4 - Passing, Dribbling & Shooting

Strategic Play & Team Dynamics

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Year 4

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine our basketball skills to create the perfect scoring opportunity?

Learning Objectives

To apply prior learning of passing and dribbling skills in attack situations
To understand when and where to shoot effectively in basketball
To create shooting opportunities through tactical awareness and teamwork

Key Outcomes

Students will combine passing and dribbling skills to maintain possession under pressure
Students will demonstrate understanding of appropriate shooting positions and timing
Students will work collaboratively to create and execute attacking plays

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per group of 4 (8 balls for class of 30)

Check inflation levels before lesson begins

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Sun Markers

15-20 markers or cones

Place at varying distances and angles from basketball hoops

Alternative: Hoops, bean bags, or chalk marks on court

Basketball Hoops

2-4 hoops depending on court size

Ensure hoops are secure and at appropriate height

Alternative: Netball posts, football goals, or target areas on walls

Coloured Bibs

8-10 bibs for defenders

Different colour for each defending team

Alternative: Different coloured clothing or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Shooting Opportunity

A moment when a player is in a good position to attempt a shot at the basket

Rebound

Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Attacking Play

When a team has possession and moves toward scoring

Defensive Pressure

When the opposing team tries to regain possession

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing technique with chest pass and bounce pass
Fundamental dribbling with control and change of direction
Understanding of basic basketball rules and court awareness

Current Skills

Combining passing and dribbling in game situations
Creating shooting opportunities through tactical play
Understanding positioning for shooting and rebounding

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques from various positions
Complex team attacking strategies with multiple options
Defensive positioning and intercepting skills

Milestone Indicators

Fluid transition between passing and dribbling without losing possession

Consistent accuracy when shooting from designated positions

Effective teamwork in maintaining possession under defensive pressure

Key Teaching Points

Shooting opportunities are created through effective teamwork and skill combination
Passing and dribbling must be used together, not as separate skills
Positioning is crucial for both shooting accuracy and team success
Rebounds provide second chances and maintaining possession is vital
Fair play and communication are essential for effective team basketball
Practice and persistence lead to improvement in all basketball skills
Different shooting positions require different techniques and offer varying levels of difficulty

Common Misconceptions

All shooting positions are equally easy - explain how distance and angle affect difficulty
Only the player with the ball is important - emphasise how teammates create space and opportunities
Dribbling OR passing is sufficient - stress the importance of combining both skills
Shooting technique doesn't matter if you're strong enough - demonstrate how proper technique improves accuracy
Defence is just about getting the ball - explain how good defence prevents shooting opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, regular praise and positive feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier handling, reduce complexity of movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and markers, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt shooting positions to wheelchair height, modify court size, allow stationary passing and shooting

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes and shots, calculating team scores, measuring distances between shooting positions

Science

Understanding forces in ball flight, trajectory and angles for shooting, energy transfer in passing and dribbling

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation under pressure, resilience when facing challenges, supporting and encouraging others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups to observe and support all students, position at corners for maximum court visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for skill combination, teamwork development, fair play, and safety throughout lesson

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with skill combination, need tactical guidance, or require safety reminders

Demonstration Notes

Use live examples from student play whenever possible, demonstrate key points clearly with exaggerated movements for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Pass AND dribble to beat the defender!'
•'Look for your shooting marker!'
•'Work together as a team!'
•'Follow your shot for the rebound!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Basketball court or playground area minimum 20m x 15m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Ensure court surface is dry, even, and free from hazards or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure basketball hoops are secure and at safe heights
•Verify markers/cones have no sharp edges and are clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during fast-paced gameplay
•Falls from quick changes of direction or defensive pressure
•Ball strikes from passes or rebounds at close range
•Overexertion from sustained high-intensity activity

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
•Emphasise fair play and controlled contact throughout
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic activities
•Regular breaks and rotation to prevent fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Monitor high-activity areas around basketball hoops carefully
•Watch for signs of overcompetition or physical aggression

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed