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Lesson 2 - Forward Pivot and Jump Stop

Ball Handling & Defence

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Year 5

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we use forward pivot skills to outwit defenders and create scoring opportunities in basketball?

Learning Objectives

Master the forward pivot technique with correct foot placement
Apply jump stop to pivoting movements effectively
Use pivot rules successfully in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct forward pivot technique in isolated and game contexts
Students will link jump stop and pivot movements fluently
Students will apply pivoting rules appropriately during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Check balls are correctly inflated and have good bounce

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Cones

12-16

Bright colours for visibility, stable base to prevent rolling

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk marks on ground

Bibs

15 (two colours)

Two contrasting colours for easy team identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or team bands

Sun Markers

1 basketball court or equivalent marked area

Clear boundaries and end zones marked for game activities

Alternative: Playground area marked with cones or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Forward Pivot

A movement where the player steps forward off their pivoting foot to change direction while maintaining ball possession

Jump Stop

Landing on both feet simultaneously to establish a strong, balanced position before choosing a pivot foot

Triple Threat Position

A balanced basketball stance where the player is ready to dribble, pass, or shoot

Pivot Foot

The foot that remains in contact with the ground as the established point of rotation

Double Dribble

An illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with dominant hand
Simple passing techniques
Understanding of triple threat position
Basic ball handling skills

Current Skills

Forward pivot technique with correct footwork
Jump stop to pivot transition
Applying pivot rules in game situations
Using pivot to create passing opportunities

Next Steps

Reverse pivot techniques
Pivot combinations in attack
Advanced footwork under pressure
Pivot-drive-shot sequences

Milestone Indicators

Consistent correct foot placement during pivot

Smooth transition from jump stop to pivot

Effective use of pivot in competitive situations

Understanding and application of all pivot rules

Key Teaching Points

Forward pivot requires pivot foot to remain in contact with ground at all times
Jump stop creates balanced platform for effective pivot execution
Right-hand dribbling typically pairs with right-foot pivot for natural movement flow
Pivot creates space and passing angles rather than just changing direction
Five-second rule applies to all ball possession, including during pivoting
Triple threat position provides strong foundation for pivot movements
Pivot skills transfer to many sports and movement contexts beyond basketball

Common Misconceptions

Students often lift pivot foot during rotation - emphasise 'glued to ground' concept
Confusion about which foot to pivot on - teach same-side rule (right hand dribble = right foot pivot)
Rushing through pivot movement - stress control and balance over speed
Thinking pivot is just spinning - emphasise purposeful movement to create advantage
Forgetting jump stop before pivot - reinforce the complete skill sequence

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, positive reinforcement systems

dyspraxia

Slower progression through skills, additional practice time, simplified movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules for activities, consistent routines, quiet practice areas available when needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs and equipment, verbal descriptions of movements, tactile guidance for pivot technique

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written rule cards, peer buddy system for communication

physical disability

Seated or supported pivot practice, modified passing distances, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of rotation during pivoting, counting passes and scores, measuring court distances and areas

Science

Forces and motion in pivot movements, balance and centre of gravity, friction between shoes and court surface

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, direction and orientation during pivots, mapping court areas and zones

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in group activities, resilience when learning new skills, fair play and rule following

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skill practice, position at court edge during games for optimal visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct pivot foot placement, rule adherence, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in when pivot rules are violated, unsafe movements occur, or students need technical support

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, demonstrate common mistakes and corrections, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Pivot foot glued down!'
•'Both feet for jump stop!'
•'Step forward and rotate!'
•'Protect the ball while pivoting!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum basketball court size (28m x 15m) or equivalent marked area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for basketball activities and safe pivoting movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones positioned safely away from walls and obstacles
•Bibs checked for tears or safety hazards
•Court markings clearly visible and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ankle injuries from pivot movements
•Collisions during game activities
•Falls during rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes from passing practice

Risk Mitigation

•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Adequate warm-up focusing on ankle mobility
•Clear safety boundaries and spacing guidelines
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed
•Regular safety checks during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor pivot technique for safe execution
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety and judgement
•Maintain awareness of equipment placement

Emergency Procedures

Immediate activity stop, injury assessment, appropriate first aid response, incident documentation