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Lesson 2 - Crossover Dribbling

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 changing direction quickly help us avoid defenders and stay in control of the ball?

Learning Objectives

To understand and apply the double dribble rule during game situations
To develop confidence and control when dribbling with the dominant hand
To execute crossover dribbling techniques to change direction effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of double dribble violations
Students will show improved dribbling confidence with their dominant hand
Students will attempt crossover dribbles in isolation and game contexts

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, large rubber balls

Cones

Set up for crossover dribbling courses - 5 per course

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Bibs

One per student for tails activity

Alternative: Rugby tag belts, strips of fabric

Basketball Hoops

Placed at end of dribbling courses for extension work

Alternative: Large hoops, cones as targets, wall markings

Key Vocabulary

Double Dribble

An illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then starts dribbling again

Crossover Dribble

Moving the ball quickly from one hand to the other to change direction

Athletic Position

Ready stance with knees bent, head up, and balanced on balls of feet

Dominant Hand

The hand that feels most natural and comfortable for dribbling

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with dominant hand
Understanding of ball control fundamentals
Awareness of space and movement

Current Skills

Crossover dribbling technique
Double dribble rule understanding
Direction changes while maintaining control

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling combinations
Dribbling under defensive pressure
Game application of multiple dribbling skills

Milestone Indicators

Maintains athletic position throughout dribbling

Successfully switches hands without losing control

Changes direction effectively to avoid opponents

Key Teaching Points

Athletic position is fundamental to all basketball skills - knees bent, head up, balanced
Crossover dribble must be continuous - no holding or pausing with the ball
Control is always more important than speed when learning new skills
Double dribble rule exists to maintain fair play - help students understand the 'why'
Game application is crucial - skills must work under pressure to be truly learned
Differentiation allows all students to experience success at their level
Safety in games requires clear rules and consistent enforcement

Common Misconceptions

Students think faster dribbling is always better - emphasise control over speed
Some believe they can pause during crossover - demonstrate continuous movement
Confusion about when double dribble occurs - clarify with clear examples
Thinking athletic position is uncomfortable - explain how it helps performance
Believing crossover is too difficult - break down into manageable steps
Assuming game rules don't matter in practice - explain skill transfer importance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified dribbling patterns initially, larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet spaces available if needed, consistent routine structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written rule reminders available

physical disability

Seated dribbling versions, larger softer balls, modified tails game with stationary players

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, explaining rules to others, using specific vocabulary correctly

Science

Understanding forces in ball bouncing, balance and centre of gravity in athletic position, reaction times in games

PSHE

Cooperation in team games, resilience when skills are challenging, respect for rules and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activity areas for optimal observation, stay on edges during games for full court vision

Observation Focus

Watch for correct athletic position, smooth crossover technique, understanding of double dribble rule

Intervention Points

Step in if technique breaks down significantly, safety issues arise, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate both correct and incorrect techniques for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Athletic position - knees bent!'
•'Smooth crossover - don't hold the ball!'
•'Head up, see the space!'
•'Control first, speed second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor surface, free from water or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs inflated to correct pressure
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Tails/bibs in good condition with no loose straps

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling practice
•Slips from loss of ball control
•Minor contact during tails game

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing maintained between students during practice
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
•Safe tail removal technique demonstrated and enforced
•Appropriate game intensity monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor high-activity games closely
•Ensure safe technique maintained under pressure

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed