Lesson 3 - Passing & Dribbling Skills
Strategic Play & Team Dynamics
•Year 4
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter, properly inflated
Alternative: Size 4 footballs, netballs, or playground balls
Used to mark boundaries, endzones, and playing areas
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk lines
To distinguish teams during activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
For extension activities and shooting practice
Alternative: High cones, hula hoops on stands, wall targets
Key Vocabulary
Position where a player can shoot, pass, or dribble, keeping defenders uncertain
Moving away from defenders to give yourself or teammates room to receive or play
Having control of the ball as a team
The change from attacking to defending or defending to attacking
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
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