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Lesson 5 - Jump Shot Technique and Application

Tactical Skills & Team Integration

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Year 4

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can mastering the jump shot give us an advantage over defenders in basketball?

Learning Objectives

Develop jump shot technique in isolation and under pressure
Understand the tactical advantages of using a jump shot
Apply jump shot skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved jump shot technique with consistent form
Students will explain when and why to use a jump shot over other shooting methods
Students will successfully attempt jump shots during competitive game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around the court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 basketballs for younger students, foam balls for indoor practice

Basketball Hoops

4-6 stations

Heights adjusted appropriately for Year 4 students (2.6-3.0m)

Alternative: Netball posts, target zones marked on walls, adjustable height hoops

Dish Cones

40 (10 per station)

Arranged in semi-circle around each shooting station

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk marks, masking tape

Bibs

15 (half class set)

Stored in equipment bag for game activity

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, wristbands, team bands

Whistles

Worn by teacher for clear signal delivery

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals, drum

Timer

Visible to all students for timed activities

Alternative: Smartphone timer, visual countdown clock, sand timer

Key Vocabulary

Jump Shot

A basketball shot where the player jumps vertically and releases the ball at the peak of their jump

Follow Through

The continuation of arm and wrist movement after releasing the ball

Arc

The curved trajectory of the basketball towards the basket

Release Point

The moment and position where the ball leaves the shooter's hands

Shooting Hand

The dominant hand that provides power and direction for the shot

Guide Hand

The non-dominant hand that helps stabilise the ball during the shot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons
Understanding of dribbling with both hands
Knowledge of basic basketball shooting positions

Current Skills

Jump shot technique and execution
Decision making for when to use jump shots
Applying jump shots under defensive pressure

Next Steps

Combining jump shots with advanced footwork
Using jump shots in complex offensive plays
Defending against jump shot attempts

Milestone Indicators

Consistent follow-through with fingertip release

Appropriate shot selection during games

Improved shooting accuracy from various positions

Key Teaching Points

Jump shot provides tactical advantage by shooting over defenders from elevated position
Proper stance with feet shoulder-width apart and knees bent provides stable shooting platform
Shooting hand behind ball, guide hand on side - never both hands behind the ball
Vertical jump motion maintains balance and consistency compared to forward jumping
Release ball at peak of jump with smooth wrist snap for optimal arc and spin
Follow-through with fingers pointing toward target ensures proper ball rotation
Time pressure in games requires quick decision-making while maintaining technique quality

Common Misconceptions

Students think jumping forward will get them closer to the basket - emphasise vertical jump for balance and consistency
Both hands should control the shot - explain guide hand role is only for stability not power
Shooting harder will make shots go in - teach that arc and technique matter more than power
Only tall players can use jump shots effectively - demonstrate how technique beats height
Jump shots are only for advanced players - show how basic technique can be learned by all skill levels

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Slower technique breakdown, larger basketballs, additional practice time, step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent verbal cues and demonstrations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs, audio cues for shooting timing, tactile markers for shooting positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals instead of whistle commands, clear demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated shooting variations, adapted basketball heights, modified scoring systems, alternative ball sizes for easier handling

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful shots, measuring distances for shooting cones, calculating shooting percentages and improvement ratios

Science

Understanding forces in jumping motion, trajectory and arc of ball flight, biomechanics of shooting technique

Geography

Using directional language for court positions, mapping shooting zones and defensive areas

PSHE

Building resilience through shooting challenges, teamwork during games, supporting others' skill development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between shooting stations during skill development, central position during games for optimal supervision

Observation Focus

Watch for proper jump shot technique, safe landing patterns, positive team interactions, and fatigue levels

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, if competitive spirit turns negative, or if any student appears overwhelmed

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion breakdowns for technique, exaggerate key points for visibility, show common mistakes for students to identify and avoid

Verbal Cues

•'Jump up, not forward!'
•'Soft landing on both feet!'
•'Follow through to the cookie jar!'
•'Reset your technique after each shot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or large sports hall minimum 20m x 30m with adequate ceiling height for jump shots

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor court surface, free from water, debris, or equipment hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure basketball hoops securely mounted at appropriate height
•Verify all cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Test whistle function for clear audible commands

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ankle injuries from landing awkwardly after jump shots
•Collisions during fast-paced game situations
•Overexertion from repeated jumping and intensive play
•Ball strikes from rebounds or missed passes

Risk Mitigation

•Teach proper jumping and landing technique during skill introduction
•Enforce spacing requirements during shooting practice
•Monitor for fatigue and provide adequate rest periods
•Clear communication about game boundaries and safe play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all shooting stations during skill development
•Monitor game areas for safe defensive play and fair contact
•Watch for students showing signs of overexertion or distress

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required