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Lesson 4 - Attacking Skills & Officiating

Attack & Defence Tactics

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Year 5

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Basketball

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1h 16min

Big Question

How can we combine refined attacking skills with fair play to create exciting basketball games?

Learning Objectives

To refine attacking skills of passing, dribbling and shooting in basketball
To develop understanding of basketball rules and officiating responsibilities
To create successful shooting opportunities through tactical decision-making

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate refined passing, dribbling and shooting techniques
Students will apply basketball rules consistently as referees
Students will create effective attacks leading to scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Check correct inflation and distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 3 footballs or rubber playground balls

Basketball Hoops

4-6 hoops

Position at appropriate height for Year 5 students

Alternative: Large buckets, hula hoops on stands, wall targets

Coloured Bibs

15 of each colour (2 colours minimum)

Separate into team sets ready for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands or simple team identifiers

Whistles

4-6 whistles

Clean between uses for hygiene

Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable

Cones

20 cones

Use to mark court boundaries and zones clearly

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines on court

Clipboards

4-6 small boards

For referees to track scores during games

Alternative: Paper and clipboards

Key Vocabulary

Double dribble

When a player dribbles with two hands simultaneously or stops dribbling then starts again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling it

Triple threat

A ready position where the player can pass, shoot, or dribble

Rebound

Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule compliance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching skills from previous lessons
Understanding of dribbling fundamentals
Experience with 4v4 possession games

Current Skills

Refined passing techniques including bounce and chest passes
Advanced dribbling with both hands at speed
Shooting accuracy from various positions
Basic officiating and rule application

Next Steps

Complex tactical play including set plays
Advanced officiating including calling fouls
Tournament play with multiple games

Milestone Indicators

Sustained possession for 8+ passes

Successful shots from 3+ different positions

Confident officiating with clear rule explanations

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position is the foundation of good basketball decision-making
Officiating develops leadership skills and understanding of fair play
Refined passing requires accuracy, timing and communication
Creating space through movement is essential for successful attacks
Rule understanding enhances both playing and officiating capabilities

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they can dribble again after stopping (double dribble rule)
Believing faster dribbling always equals better control
Assuming officiating is just about calling violations rather than managing games fairly
Thinking individual skill is more important than team play in creating attacks
Misunderstanding that travelling occurs any time you move with the ball without dribbling

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls initially, reduce court size, provide extra practice time for skill development, use wall targets instead of hoops

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure for referee rotations, use visual schedules for lesson sequence, offer quiet observation role if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, pair with sighted buddy for officiating

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for referee calls, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication during instruction

physical disability

Modify shooting heights, allow wheelchair basketball adaptations, provide alternative roles such as scorekeeper or timekeeper

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during games, vocabulary development of basketball terms, listening skills during instruction

Maths

Scoring and statistics keeping, angles and trajectories in shooting, timing and measurement during games

Science

Forces in ball movement, friction on court surface, heart rate and exercise, physics of bouncing

PSHE

Leadership through officiating, teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, respect for authority

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between game areas to observe both playing and officiating, position on court edge for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical play development, officiating confidence, and skill application under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if refereeing becomes inconsistent, if unsafe play occurs, or if students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for rule violations, emphasise positive examples of both play and officiating

Verbal Cues

•'Triple threat position!'
•'Head up, see the court!'
•'Good officiating decision!'
•'Create space with movement!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or 30m x 20m hard surface area minimum

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are correctly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure hoops/targets are secure and at appropriate height
•Verify cones have no sharp edges and are visible colours

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during high-intensity games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and communicated
•Adequate spacing between game areas
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three game areas
•Monitor referee-player interactions for conflicts
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion in students

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid or seek additional support as required