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Lesson 2 - Refine Passing and Receiving

Strategic Play & Team Dynamics

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Year 4

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we use accurate passing and movement to keep possession and win basketball games?

Learning Objectives

To refine bounce pass and chest pass technique for maximum accuracy
To develop movement skills to create and find space when receiving passes
To apply passing and moving skills effectively in mini-game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in both bounce and chest passes
Students will show they can move into space to receive passes under pressure
Students will apply refined passing skills to maintain possession in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per pair (15 total)

Pre-position balls around the activity area perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs, or playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Coloured Cones

16-20 cones in different colours

Use to create gates and mark boundaries - ensure different colours are available

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or sports spots

Bibs

15 (to distinguish defenders)

Bright colours preferred for easy identification during games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands

Sun Markers

8-12 cones for area boundaries

Create clear playing areas approximately 15m x 15m for each group

Alternative: Existing court lines if available

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A basketball pass thrown from chest level using both hands, pushing the ball directly to a teammate

Bounce Pass

A pass that bounces once between the passer and receiver, useful for passing around defenders

Triple Threat Position

A basketball stance where a player can dribble, pass, or shoot - keeps defenders guessing

Creating Space

Moving away from defenders or into empty areas to receive a pass or create opportunities

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Interception

When the defending team gains control of the ball during an opponent's pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball handling skills from previous units
Understanding of the concept of possession in invasion games
Basic chest pass and bounce pass technique

Current Skills

Refined passing technique for accuracy and consistency
Strategic movement to create and find space
Application of passing skills in increasingly complex game situations

Next Steps

Integration of passing with shooting in attack situations
Advanced movement patterns and team tactics
Full basketball game understanding with multiple offensive strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in passing under no pressure

Successful pass completion rate of 70% under defensive pressure

Evidence of strategic thinking when choosing pass type and target

Key Teaching Points

Emphasis on stepping into passes for power and accuracy
Pass selection based on defender position - chest pass for clear lanes, bounce pass around defenders
Movement off the ball is crucial for creating passing opportunities
Communication between teammates improves passing success
Technique consistency under pressure requires focused practice
Tactical understanding develops through game application
Positive reinforcement builds confidence in skill development

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than accuracy in passing - emphasise technique over strength
Believing only the person with the ball needs to move - highlight importance of off-ball movement
Assuming bounce passes are always harder than chest passes - show situational advantages of each
Thinking good passers don't need to practice - stress that even experts refine technique constantly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for skill development, break down complex movements into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for common instructions, written task cards available

physical disability

Seated passing variations, adapted equipment (lighter balls), modified distances and rules as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes accurately, understanding fractions when discussing 2/3 distance for bounce passes, angles of ball flight and bounce

Science

Forces and motion in basketball - how push/pull forces affect ball movement, trajectory and bounce physics, reaction time in defensive play

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping play areas and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, communication skills, respect for others in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between groups/pairs to provide individual feedback and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Watch for correct passing technique, tactical decision-making, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down, when students become frustrated, or when safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated demonstrations for technique. Act as defender occasionally to show tactical concepts. Celebrate good examples when seen.

Verbal Cues

•'Step into that pass!'
•'Find the space!'
•'Great movement off the ball!'
•'Which pass will beat the defender?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, or divided court areas of 15m x 15m for group activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water or debris, suitable for quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs/pinnies in good condition without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body during passing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activity areas
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on controlled passes rather than power

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all active areas
•Monitor high-activity game phases closely
•Ensure defensive pressure remains safe and appropriate

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required