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Lesson 6 - Jump Stop & Triple Threat

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 stop and triple threat position help you become a more confident and controlled basketball player?

Learning Objectives

Practise and perform the jump stop and triple threat position to avoid travel violations
Use travel terminology with confidence and apply the travel rule in game situations
Select when to use the jump stop effectively in competitive gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent jump stops landing in triple threat position
Students will explain travel violations and use correct terminology
Students will apply jump stops strategically during game play to maintain possession

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check inflation levels, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 balls for smaller hands, foam balls for indoor use

Basketball Hoops

4-6 hoops

Ensure height appropriate for Year 4 (2.6m recommended)

Alternative: Netball posts, playground markings, portable hoops at varying heights

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 different colours)

Pre-sort into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pinnies, coloured cones for team identification

Cones

20 cones

Mark court boundaries and activity areas clearly

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk lines, tape markers

Whistles

Test whistle clarity for outdoor use

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals, timer with sound

Stopwatch

Essential for timed quarters and activity segments

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock, countdown timer

Key Vocabulary

Jump Stop

A technique where a player jumps off one or both feet and lands with both feet touching the ground simultaneously to stop forward momentum

Triple Threat Position

A balanced stance where the player can shoot, pass, or dribble from the same position

Travel Violation

An illegal move where a player moves one or both feet illegally without dribbling the ball

Pivot Foot

The foot that must remain in contact with the ground when holding the ball

Possession

Having control of the basketball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with control
Chest and bounce passing techniques
Understanding of basic basketball rules
Jump shot technique from previous lessons

Current Skills

Jump stop with balance and control
Triple threat position with correct body posture
Decision making from triple threat stance
Travel rule application and terminology

Next Steps

Advanced footwork including pivot moves
Combination moves from triple threat position
Full court game play with refereed matches
Offensive and defensive strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent landing with both feet simultaneously

Maintaining balance in triple threat for extended periods

Quick transition from dribble to jump stop to next action

Using correct terminology when discussing rules

Key Teaching Points

Jump stop requires small jump with both feet landing simultaneously for balance and control
Triple threat position provides balanced stance for shooting, passing or dribbling decisions
Timing of last dribble is crucial when performing jump stop to maintain ball control
Jump stops are primary strategy for preventing travel violations in competitive play
Head up position in triple threat allows players to read the court and make good decisions
Practice coordination between footwork and ball handling before applying game pressure
Connect all skills learned throughout unit to successful game application and enjoyment

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking jump stops need to be high jumps - emphasise small, controlled movement for balance
Believing travel violations only happen when running - explain they can occur from poor pivot foot management
Assuming triple threat is just a stationary position - show it's an active, ready stance for next move
Thinking technique is less important in games - reinforce that good technique leads to game success
Believing only advanced players need to master these skills - emphasise fundamental importance for all players

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities, frequent positive reinforcement and feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, softer basketballs for easier handling, extended practice time for complex movements, broken-down skill instruction with extra repetition, simplified rule explanations

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet reflection zones available, predictable routine with advance warning of transitions, reduced sensory input options

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs, provide clear verbal descriptions of all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile demonstrations of triple threat position

hearing impairment

Visual signals instead of whistle commands, clear demonstrations facing the student, written instructions on display boards, peer support for rule explanations

physical disability

Seated versions of triple threat position, wheelchair basketball adaptations, modified jump stops using available movement, adapted basketball hoops at lower heights

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Basketball terminology and vocabulary development, explanation and instruction giving during peer teaching, discussion and evaluation of performance improvement

Maths

Counting seconds for triple threat holds, measuring court distances and angles, calculating tournament scores and game statistics, timing quarters and game management

Science

Forces and motion in jump stops - momentum, gravity and balance, body systems during exercise - cardiovascular and muscular responses, physics of ball bouncing and trajectory

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in game situations, resilience when learning challenging new skills, leadership and communication during team activities, fair play and respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central court position during games for maximum visibility, move to perimeter during individual skill practice for close observation and feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of jump stop technique (both feet landing simultaneously), triple threat position maintenance, and strategic application in game situations

Intervention Points

Step in when students show poor balance control that could lead to falls, when travel violations are being ignored, or when competitive intensity affects safety

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate jump stops with exaggerated technique - show the small jump clearly, emphasise simultaneous foot landing, and hold triple threat position for several seconds for clarity

Verbal Cues

•'Small jump, both feet together!'
•'Triple threat - ready to shoot, pass or dribble!'
•'Control your body, control the game!'
•'Jump stop saves you from travel violations!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or equivalent space (minimum 20m x 15m), with clear boundaries and adequate run-off areas

Surface Check

Indoor sports hall or outdoor tarmac court, dry surface free from water, leaves or debris that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are correctly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure basketball hoops are securely fixed and at appropriate height
•Verify cones have no sharp edges and are positioned safely away from playing areas
•Check whistle is working clearly for game management

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during dynamic 4v4 games
•Falls during jump stop practice, particularly on hard court surfaces
•Ball strikes to head or body during passing and game play
•Overexertion during competitive tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with cones to prevent collisions with walls
•Adequate spacing enforced during individual skill practice
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic movements
•Mixed ability teams to reduce over-competitive behaviour
•Regular water breaks and monitoring for signs of fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally during games for maximum court visibility
•Move actively between courts during tournament play
•Monitor high-activity areas particularly around basketball hoops
•Watch for students who may be struggling with physical demands

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation calmly, provide appropriate first aid or summon help as needed, ensure other students continue safely under supervision