Lesson 1 - Blocking and Defensive Positioning
Ball Handling & Defence
•Year 5
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for shooting practice
Positioned around hall for multiple practice stations
Alternative: Wall targets, netball posts, or marked zones on wall
Used to mark court boundaries, starting positions, and channels
Alternative: Bean bags, markers, tape for floor markings
Distinguish attackers from defenders in game activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, team pennants
Key Vocabulary
Jumping straight up rather than towards the opponent to avoid fouling while blocking shots
Using your hands to deflect or stop an opponent's shot attempt
Placing your body between the attacker and the basket to prevent easy shots
A balanced defensive position with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move
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
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