Lesson 2 - Refine Passing and Receiving
Strategic Play & Team Dynamics
•Year 4
•Basketball
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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
Pre-position balls around the activity area perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs, or playground balls if basketballs unavailable
Use to create gates and mark boundaries - ensure different colours are available
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or sports spots
Bright colours preferred for easy identification during games
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands
Create clear playing areas approximately 15m x 15m for each group
Alternative: Existing court lines if available
Key Vocabulary
A basketball pass thrown from chest level using both hands, pushing the ball directly to a teammate
A pass that bounces once between the passer and receiver, useful for passing around defenders
A basketball stance where a player can dribble, pass, or shoot - keeps defenders guessing
Moving away from defenders or into empty areas to receive a pass or create opportunities
Having control of the ball as a team
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
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