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Big Question

How can we develop accurate shooting technique and create successful scoring opportunities in basketball?

Learning Objectives

  • Develop correct shooting technique with balanced stance and hand positioning
  • Apply shooting skills under pressure in game situations
  • Understand and apply the concept of rebounding to maintain possession

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy using correct technique
  • Students will create and recognise appropriate shooting opportunities during games
  • Students will work effectively as a team to secure rebounds and maintain attacking pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball
1 per 2 students (15)

Check balls are properly inflated and distributed around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls

Basketball Hoops
4-6 hoops of varying heights

Position at different heights to accommodate all ability levels

Alternative: Wall targets, hula hoops hung from posts

Dish Cones
22 cones

Create shooting position markers around each hoop

Alternative: Spot markers, chalk marks

Coloured Bibs
15 (3 different colours)

Distinguish teams during 4v4 games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team labels

Key Vocabulary

Shooting stance

Balanced position with feet shoulder-width apart, shooting foot slightly forward

Follow-through

Continuation of shooting motion with fingers pointing down towards target

Rebound

Collecting the ball after a missed shot to maintain possession

Arc

The curved trajectory of the ball during a shot

Shooting pocket

Optimal shooting positions on the court with clear sight of the basket

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
  • Understanding of passing and receiving
  • Knowledge of court positions and boundaries

Current Skills

  • Correct shooting technique and stance
  • Shooting under pressure situations
  • Rebounding skills and positioning

Next Steps

  • Advanced shooting variations (jump shots, layups)
  • Complex offensive patterns and plays
  • Defensive strategies against shooters

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent shooting form maintained under pressure
2
Quick transition between offensive and defensive roles
3
Effective communication during team play

Key Teaching Points

  • Maintain correct shooting stance throughout all pressure situations
  • Follow every shot for potential rebounds to maintain team possession
  • Communicate effectively with teammates during passing and shooting opportunities
  • Apply defensive pressure safely without making physical contact
  • Demonstrate good sportsmanship by encouraging teammates and opponents
  • Use tactical awareness to choose appropriate shooting positions and timing
  • Show resilience and positive attitude when shots are unsuccessful

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking shooting power comes from arms only - correct with full body involvement in shooting motion
  • Believing every possession should end in a shot - emphasise importance of good shot selection
  • Assuming taller students will automatically be better shooters - focus on technique over physical attributes
  • Not understanding rebounding importance - demonstrate how many scoring opportunities come from second chances
  • Focusing only on made shots rather than good technique - celebrate correct form even when shots miss

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
  • Use larger balls initially, provide additional practice time for technique, offer step-by-step movement breakdowns
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet spaces if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for lesson progression
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, establish clear audio signals for activity changes
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations extensively, establish clear hand signals, provide written instruction cards
physical disability
  • Adjust hoop heights and shooting distances, allow seated shooting variations, modify movement requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding projectile motion and arc of basketball shots, forces involved in jumping and shooting

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on court, understanding of angles and trajectories

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in face of missed shots, communication and leadership skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between shooting stations and game courts to provide feedback and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Watch for shooting technique maintenance under pressure, safe defensive play, and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in to correct unsafe play, reinforce technique during pressure situations, facilitate problem-solving during games

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, model positive sportsmanship throughout, provide specific praise for improvement

Verbal Cues
  • 'Balanced stance, fingers spread!'
  • 'Follow your shot for the rebound!'
  • 'Great teamwork - keep moving and passing!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum half basketball court per 8 students, clear overhead space for shooting

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure basketball hoops are secure and at appropriate heights
  • Verify marker cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Collisions during rebounding
  • Falls from jumping for shots or rebounds
  • Ball strikes to head or face
  • Overexertion during game play
Risk Mitigation
  • Teach proper landing technique after jumping
  • Emphasise no-contact defensive play
  • Monitor spacing during shooting activities
  • Provide regular water breaks during intense activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility of all shooting areas
  • Move frequently between groups during practice
  • Monitor physical contact during defensive pressure activities
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, provide first aid as appropriate, contact school first aider if needed