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Lesson 1 - Dribbling and Passing for Attack

Attack & Defence Tactics

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Year 5

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we combine dribbling and passing skills to create successful attacking opportunities in basketball?

Learning Objectives

Recap and refine dribbling and passing skills from Year 4
Combine passing and dribbling to maintain possession and create attacks
Apply decision-making skills to determine when to pass or dribble

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control through refined dribbling and passing
Students will maintain possession for sustained periods through effective skill combination
Students will create successful shooting opportunities through coordinated team attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls for control practice

Basketball Hoops

4-6 hoops

Positioned at corners and sides of playing area

Alternative: Netball posts, or marked targets on walls

Coloured Bibs

15 each of 2 colours

Ready for quick team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark court boundaries and shooting zones

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Triple Threat

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

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously while moving to maintain possession

Bounce Pass

A pass that hits the floor before reaching the teammate

Chest Pass

A direct pass from chest level to a teammate's chest

Rebound

Catching the ball after a missed shot

Possession

Having control of the ball for your team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with dominant hand from Year 4
Simple passing techniques including bounce and chest pass
Understanding of basic basketball rules and objectives

Current Skills

Refined dribbling with alternating hands
Accurate passing under pressure
Decision-making in triple threat position
Creating space and attacking opportunities

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques and accuracy
Complex team strategies and set plays
Defensive positioning and interception skills

Milestone Indicators

Can dribble with alternating hands at speed

Makes appropriate pass/dribble decisions in game situations

Demonstrates understanding of spacing in attack

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position gives players three options - pass, dribble, or shoot
Decision-making depends on space available, teammate positions, and defensive pressure
Dribbling requires fingertip control, not palm contact, with eyes up for awareness
Effective passing needs two hands, step forward, and aim for teammate's chest
Possession maintenance requires constant communication and movement
Teamwork creates better shooting opportunities than individual play
Once you stop dribbling, you must pass or shoot - cannot start dribbling again

Common Misconceptions

Players think dribbling is always better than passing - teach situational awareness
Students believe they must always use dominant hand - emphasise bilateral development
Many think stopping dribbling means giving up the ball - teach triple threat options
Players assume faster is always better - teach controlled, accurate skill application
Students focus only on scoring - emphasise possession and team play create better chances

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear movement boundaries, regular positive reinforcement, specific roles in team activities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier handling, slower activity pace initially, extra practice time for skill development, simplified game rules

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, defined roles in team games, quiet breakout space available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright orange basketballs for contrast, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for movement, tactile boundary markers

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations for all skills, hand signals for game instructions, written key points on display board, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated basketball version with lower hoops, modified dribbling with two hands, shorter game areas, adapted balls if needed for grip

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during games, listening to instructions and feedback, expressing tactical ideas clearly, vocabulary development through sports terminology

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring court distances, calculating angles for effective passing, understanding spatial relationships and geometry in player positioning

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, friction between ball and court surface, energy transfer in passing and shooting, cardiovascular system response to exercise

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when facing defensive pressure, respect for opponents, managing competitive emotions positively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central court position during introductions, circulate between groups during activities, corner position during games for full court visibility

Observation Focus

Decision-making speed and accuracy, skill technique under pressure, teamwork and communication, safe play throughout

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play immediately, provide specific skill feedback during natural breaks, celebrate excellent decision-making examples

Demonstration Notes

Use student volunteers to show excellent examples, demonstrate decisions in slow motion for clarity, show both successful and less successful choices for learning

Verbal Cues

•'Head up - see your options!'
•'Great decision - you saw the space!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Control first, then decide!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor or outdoor court space, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, no loose balls or equipment hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketball hoops securely mounted and at appropriate height
•Balls properly inflated - not over or under-inflated
•Cones with rounded edges, no sharp corners
•Check bibs for tears that could cause injury

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during games
•Slipping on court surface
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with cones
•No physical contact rules enforced consistently
•Adequate spacing between game areas
•Regular hydration reminders
•Progressive skill building before competitive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all game areas simultaneously
•Move between groups during possession games
•Monitor for fair play and appropriate contact
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed