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Lesson 6 - Catching Under Pressure

Ball Handling & Defence

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Year 5

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can mastering the triple threat position make you a more dangerous basketball player?

Learning Objectives

Use the W-shaped hand position to catch consistently under pressure
Demonstrate the triple threat position to be ready to pass, shoot or dribble
Apply knowledge of personal fouls in a competition setting

Key Outcomes

Students will catch basketballs confidently using correct hand positioning
Students will transition smoothly into triple threat position upon receiving the ball
Students will understand and apply foul rules during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Check inflation levels before lesson

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for catching practice

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Use for court boundaries and positioning markers

Alternative: Spots, bibs as markers

Basketball Hoops

2-4 portable hoops

Ensure appropriate height for Year 5 students

Alternative: Football goals with targets, hula hoops as targets

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

For team identification during tournament play

Alternative: Coloured bands, team armbands

Key Vocabulary

W-shaped grip

Hand position where fingers are spread wide forming a 'W' shape to catch the ball securely

Triple threat position

Balanced stance holding the ball that allows the player to pass, shoot, or dribble

Pivot

Keeping one foot planted while stepping with the other to change direction

Personal foul

Illegal physical contact with an opponent that impedes their movement

Sideline ball

Method of restarting play when ball goes out or after certain fouls

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of basketball court markings
Experience with passing and basic catching
Knowledge of travelling and basic fouls

Current Skills

Catching under pressure using W-shaped grip
Triple threat position for multiple options
Advanced foul recognition and application
Tournament play with officiating

Next Steps

Advanced offensive moves from triple threat
Defensive strategies against triple threat
Complex game strategies and set plays
Leadership in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catches under defensive pressure

Quick transition to triple threat without hesitation

Appropriate decision-making from triple threat position

Fair play and rule adherence in competition

Key Teaching Points

W-grip must be maintained even under defensive pressure
Triple threat position creates multiple offensive options
Pivot foot must remain planted to avoid travelling violations
Communication through hand signals improves team play
Personal fouls result in possession changes, not contact opportunities
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as skill development
Progressive pressure builds confidence and competence

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder catches are better - soft hands with W-grip are more effective
Believing you must rush from triple threat - taking time to assess options is crucial
Assuming physical contact is part of basketball - it's a skill-based, minimal contact sport
Thinking the pivot foot can move slightly - any movement results in a travelling violation
Believing catching is passive - actively reaching for the ball improves success rate

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities in team games

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified movements initially, extra practice time, verbal coaching throughout activities

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if overwhelmed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of court positions, tactile markers for boundaries, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written rule cards, visual cues for game starts/stops

physical disability

Modified triple threat from seated position, larger balls for easier catching, shorter distances, peer support for mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication through hand signals, following and giving instructions, teamwork vocabulary

Maths

Counting successful passes to 10-15, angles for pivot movements, scoring and timekeeping

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, biomechanics of catching and pivoting, heart rate changes during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, court dimensions and directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when under pressure, conflict resolution and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all activities, rotate between groups during skill practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct W-grip formation, triple threat positioning, safe defending, rule adherence

Intervention Points

Step in if contact becomes excessive, technique breaks down under pressure, or rule confusion occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when demonstrating skills, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'W-hands ready!'
•'Triple threat - three choices!'
•'Step to the ball!'
•'Pivot foot planted!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or large hall minimum 20m x 30m

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure hoops securely fixed and appropriate height
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Falls when pivoting or changing direction
•Ball strikes from poor catching technique
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with cones
•No contact rule strictly enforced
•Progressive skill building before competition
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament
•Mixed ability teams to prevent mismatches

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor contact levels during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury