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Lesson 3 - Passing & Dribbling Skills

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 passing and dribbling to outwit opponents and create scoring opportunities in basketball?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate passing techniques in game situations
To improve dribbling skills while creating space away from defenders
To understand tactical decisions between passing and dribbling

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy under pressure
Students will show effective dribbling to create space and maintain possession
Students will make appropriate tactical decisions in attack and defence transitions

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around court perimeter, properly inflated

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, netballs, or playground balls

Cones

Used to mark boundaries, endzones, and playing areas

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

To distinguish teams during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Basketball Hoops

2-4

For extension activities and shooting practice

Alternative: High cones, hula hoops on stands, wall targets

Key Vocabulary

Triple threat

Position where a player can shoot, pass, or dribble, keeping defenders uncertain

Creating space

Moving away from defenders to give yourself or teammates room to receive or play

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Transition

The change from attacking to defending or defending to attacking

Intercept

To gain possession by catching or stopping an opponent's pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and control
Simple passing techniques - chest and bounce pass
Understanding of personal space and general space

Current Skills

Accurate passing under pressure
Dribbling with speed and direction changes
Decision making between passing and dribbling

Next Steps

Shooting from different positions
Advanced tactical play in larger teams
Complex game strategies and set plays

Milestone Indicators

Makes 8/10 successful passes to teammates in space

Can dribble past a defender using change of pace

Consistently makes good tactical decisions under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position is the foundation for good decision-making in basketball
Create space through movement, not just by dribbling away from defenders
Communication is essential for successful team play and possession
Pass accuracy is more important than pass power - aim for teammate's chest
Change of pace when dribbling is more effective than constant speed
Defend with patience - force attackers wide rather than diving for the ball
Quick transition between attack and defence wins games

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Dribbling is always better than passing' - Correct: Decision depends on situation and defender position
Misconception: 'Defenders should always try to steal the ball' - Correct: Good defending is about positioning and forcing mistakes
Misconception: 'Fast passing is always better' - Correct: Accurate, well-timed passing is more effective than speed
Misconception: 'Only the person with the ball needs to move' - Correct: All players must create space and options
Misconception: 'Basketball is just about individual skills' - Correct: Teamwork and communication are essential for success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use high energy as advantage, regular praise and feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls initially, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides, celebrate effort over outcome

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule of activities, create quiet zones if overstimulated, maintain consistent rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for navigation, use sound cues for passing

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, establish hand signals for communication, provide written instruction cards, use visual boundary markers

physical disability

Allow seated passing and dribbling, adapt court size for wheelchair users, provide lighter balls, modify activities for different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team play, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development

Maths

Counting successful passes, calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances for court setup, understanding angles of passing

Science

Forces involved in ball bouncing and trajectory, friction between ball and court surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of court positions, direction and movement patterns, understanding of personal and general space

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition positively, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at court perimeter where all groups are visible, move to centre for demonstrations, circulate during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for application of triple threat position, quality of passing decisions, spatial awareness during dribbling

Intervention Points

Step in when students are struggling with decision-making, help groups that lack communication, support less confident students

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for triple threat position, demonstrate passing at eye level of students, show common mistakes as well as correct technique

Verbal Cues

•'Triple threat position!' when students receive ball
•'Eyes up!' during dribbling activities
•'Find space!' to encourage movement off the ball
•'Good decision!' to reinforce positive choices

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m court area, or equivalent indoor hall space

Surface Check

Ensure playing surface is dry, clean and free from obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated - not too hard or soft
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify basketball hoops are securely mounted if using

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during fast-paced activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Ball striking students in face or body
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones for all activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between groups
•Emphasis on controlled play rather than maximum speed
•Regular hydration breaks and intensity monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at corner of court for maximum visibility of all groups
•Move between groups to provide close supervision during intense activities
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration in competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional help if required