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Lesson 1 - Blocking and Defensive Positioning

Ball Handling & Defence

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Year 5

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use our body position and timing to prevent opponents from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Learn and apply the principle of vertical take-off for effective shot blocking
Develop defensive positioning skills to protect the basket
Apply blocking techniques in game situations with appropriate timing

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct vertical jumping technique for blocking
Students will position themselves effectively between attacker and basket
Students will apply blocking skills appropriately in game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for shooting practice

Basketball Hoops

4-6 hoops

Positioned around hall for multiple practice stations

Alternative: Wall targets, netball posts, or marked zones on wall

Cones

20 cones

Used to mark court boundaries, starting positions, and channels

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, tape for floor markings

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (2 colours)

Distinguish attackers from defenders in game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants

Key Vocabulary

Vertical take-off

Jumping straight up rather than towards the opponent to avoid fouling while blocking shots

Blocking

Using your hands to deflect or stop an opponent's shot attempt

Defensive positioning

Placing your body between the attacker and the basket to prevent easy shots

Athletic stance

A balanced defensive position with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move

Triple threat position

A balanced stance where a player can dribble, pass, or shoot effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic jumping and landing techniques
Understanding of basketball court positions
Experience with defensive stance and movement

Current Skills

Vertical take-off technique for blocking
Defensive positioning between attacker and basket
Hand positioning for effective shot blocking

Next Steps

Advanced blocking techniques in team situations
Reading offensive plays to anticipate shots
Combining blocking with rebounding skills

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates consistent vertical jump technique

Shows understanding of defensive positioning principles

Applies blocking appropriately without fouling

Key Teaching Points

Vertical jumping prevents fouling while maintaining blocking effectiveness
Positioning between attacker and basket is fundamental to successful defence
Soft hand contact prevents injury and maintains control of the ball
Using opposite hand to attacker's approach increases reach and success
Timing is crucial - jump as the shooter begins their upward motion
Defensive movement must maintain position while staying balanced
Practice with both attacking and defending roles develops complete understanding

Common Misconceptions

That you should jump toward the shooter (leads to fouls) - emphasise vertical jumping only
That you should slap the ball as hard as possible (causes injuries) - teach soft tipping technique
That blocking is only about height (timing and positioning are more important)
That you can block any shot (help students understand when blocking is appropriate vs when to focus on other defensive skills)
That defence is less important than offence (emphasise how good defence creates scoring opportunities)

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and rules

dyspraxia

Break skills into smaller components, allow extra practice time, use wall targets instead of moving hoops initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls for better visibility, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, use tactile markers for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, establish clear hand signals for instructions, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt blocking to seated position if needed, use lighter balls, reduce court size, focus on upper body positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with basketball terminology, speaking and listening during reflection discussions, following multi-step instructions

Maths

Understanding angles and direction when blocking from different sides, measuring jump heights and distances, counting successful blocks and attempts

Science

Forces involved in jumping vertically, understanding gravity and how it affects ball flight, studying reaction times and coordination

PSHE

Cooperation and teamwork during partner activities, resilience when learning challenging skills, respect for opponents during competitive games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities to observe all students, position centrally for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct vertical jumping technique, appropriate defensive positioning, and safe ball contact

Intervention Points

Step in if students using aggressive contact, poor technique causing safety concerns, or exclusion of less confident students

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve confident students as demonstration partners

Verbal Cues

•'Rocket jump - straight up!'
•'Soft hands, tip don't slap!'
•'Position yourself like a shield!'
•'Opposite hand to their direction!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor space, preferably full basketball court with multiple hoops

Surface Check

Non-slip indoor court surface, free from water or debris that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure basketball hoops are securely mounted and at appropriate height
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during jumping activities
•Finger injuries from aggressive ball contact
•Falls from poor landing technique

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise vertical jumping only to avoid student contact
•Teach soft hand contact technique to prevent finger injuries
•Adequate spacing maintained between pairs and groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
•Monitor high-activity areas during game situations
•Watch for students abandoning technique under competitive pressure

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if required