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Lesson 4 - Bounce Pass Mastery

Tactical Skills & Team Integration

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Year 4

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use the bounce pass as a tactical weapon to outwit defenders?

Learning Objectives

Perform a bounce pass with accuracy and appropriate force
Apply bounce pass technique effectively in game situations
Understand when and why to use a bounce pass tactically

Key Outcomes

Students will execute consistent bounce passes to moving targets
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by choosing bounce passes over other pass types
Students will show improved performance in small-sided games using bounce pass skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Distribute around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for smaller hands

Cones

20 cones

Use to mark zones, boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Marker spots, bean bags

Coloured Bibs

2 sets of 8 bibs each

One set each end of court for quick team identification

Alternative: Different coloured tops, bands

Whistles

For clear game management and transitions

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Bounce pass

A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver

Defensive pressure

When opponents are close and trying to intercept passes

Target area

The specific spot you aim for when passing

Follow through

Continuing the arm movement after releasing the ball

Close quarters

When players are near each other with limited space

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Static chest passing technique
Understanding of passing concept

Current Skills

Bounce pass technique mastery
Moving pass execution
Tactical pass selection

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure
Combination passing sequences
Fast break passing

Milestone Indicators

Consistent hand positioning on ball

Appropriate force generation for distance

Quick decision-making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Bounce pass technique: step, snap, follow through with thumbs down
Two-thirds rule: ball bounces two-thirds of way to target for optimal timing
Tactical advantage: bounce passes travel under defender's reach
Hand position: fingers spread, hands slightly behind ball for control
Game application: use bounce passes in close quarters and under pressure
Safety awareness: heads up for court vision and collision avoidance
Team communication: calling plays and supporting teammates

Common Misconceptions

Thinking bounce passes are slower than chest passes - they're actually harder to intercept
Believing you need to bounce hard - gentle, controlled bounce is more accurate
Assuming you can use bounce passes from any distance - they work best in close quarters
Not realising the importance of follow through - affects accuracy significantly
Thinking defensive players can't defend bounce passes - good positioning can still intercept

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls initially, extra practice time for motor patterns, simplified technique breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available, consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of court layout, partner guidance system for movement

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified court size, lighter balls or alternative equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team play, using specific basketball vocabulary, following and giving instructions clearly

Maths

Calculating angles of ball trajectory, measuring distances for optimal bounce point, timing and rhythm patterns in dual passing

Science

Forces and motion in ball bouncing, friction between ball and court surface, energy transfer from hands to ball

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction, understanding court dimensions and positioning, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, leadership opportunities in peer teaching

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups actively, position at corners for maximum court visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positioning, appropriate force application, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in when technique becomes dangerous, when students are struggling with concept, or when game becomes too physical

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion technique breakdowns, exaggerate follow through for visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Step and snap!' for bounce pass technique
•'Two-thirds bounce!' for distance reminder
•'Hands ready!' for receiving preparation
•'Head up!' for court awareness

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half basketball court minimum (15m x 15m), clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, check for wet patches, ensure boundary lines are visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Bibs clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between moving players
•Slips and trips during directional changes
•Finger injuries from poor catching technique

Risk Mitigation

•Teach proper catching technique with hands ready
•Establish clear movement patterns and boundaries
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular reminders about spatial awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Move around actively during games to monitor closely
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed