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Lesson 4 - Push Pass Under Pressure

Ball Handling & Defence

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Year 5

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we maintain accuracy when passing under pressure from defenders?

Learning Objectives

Practise one-handed push pass and push bounce pass to perform accurate passes under pressure
Develop coping strategies to maintain technique when defenders apply pressure
Identify and execute correct footwork patterns for effective push passing

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate push pass technique with 80% accuracy under defensive pressure
Students will complete 5 consecutive team passes in a conditioned game situation
Students will show correct triple threat position and stepping technique during passing sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for passing practice

Basketball Hoops

4-6 (depending on court setup)

Positioned at various heights to accommodate different abilities

Alternative: Wall targets, large hoops, netball posts

Cones

20-30

Used to mark boundaries, defensive positions, and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, small equipment

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two colours for team games and scrimmages

Alternative: Different coloured equipment, bands

Key Vocabulary

Push Pass

A one-handed pass executed from a low triple threat position, using a pushing motion to deliver the ball accurately to a teammate

Triple Threat Position

A low, balanced stance where a player can pass, shoot, or dribble, with knees bent and ball protected

Push Bounce Pass

A variation of push pass where the ball bounces two-thirds of the way to the receiver, arriving at waist height

Defensive Pressure

The opposition's attempts to disrupt passing and ball control through close marking and aggressive positioning

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling control with both hands
Understanding of triple threat position
Experience with chest pass technique
Knowledge of basic basketball rules and boundaries

Current Skills

One-handed push pass from triple threat position
Push bounce pass execution with two-thirds distance rule
Passing under defensive pressure while maintaining low stance
Footwork coordination during pass execution

Next Steps

Advanced passing combinations and fakes
Reading defensive pressure to select optimal passes
Integration of push pass into complex game situations
Development of passing leadership in team scenarios

Milestone Indicators

Maintains triple threat position throughout passing sequence

Demonstrates correct stepping pattern with 90% consistency

Successfully completes passes under pressure without losing possession

Shows decision-making ability in selecting appropriate pass type

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position with knees bent at 90 degrees provides stability and multiple options
Step towards target with opposite foot creates power and accuracy in push pass
Keeping low stance under defensive pressure protects ball and maintains control
Push pass technique uses one-handed pushing motion with supporting hand guidance
Two-thirds distance rule for bounce passes ensures optimal ball height for receiver
Communication and movement off ball essential for successful team passing sequences
Decision-making between air pass and bounce pass depends on defensive positioning

Common Misconceptions

Students think push pass is weaker than chest pass - explain it's designed for pressure situations
Students believe they must always pass hard - emphasise accuracy over power
Misconception that bounce passes are always slower - show how they avoid interceptions
Students think they need to stand up to pass better - reinforce staying low for protection
Students assume game success means individual scoring - emphasise team passing achievements
Misconception that pressure always leads to mistakes - teach pressure as skill development opportunity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, additional movement breaks, positive reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger basketballs for easier handling, reduced complexity in initial stages, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet spaces available if needed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured basketballs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for guidance, use audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, visual passing targets

physical disability

Seated push pass variations, modified equipment sizes, adapted distances and heights, wheelchair basketball adaptations where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with basketball terminology, following complex instructions, verbal communication during games

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring two-thirds distance for bounce passes, calculating team scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction between ball and court surface, lever systems in arm extension

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when techniques don't work initially, leadership during team activities, fair play and sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously around teaching space for optimal supervision, stay at edge of activities for clear view of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct triple threat position, proper stepping technique, ball security under pressure, teamwork and communication

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, unsafe play developing, or frustration affecting learning

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Stay low like sitting in a chair!'
•'Step towards your target!'
•'Push and flick that wrist!'
•'Head up, eyes scanning!'
•'Call for the ball teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or equivalent space minimum 20m x 15m with adequate height clearance for shooting

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from moisture, proper basketball court markings if available, check for obstacles or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure basketball hoops are secure and at appropriate heights
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks that could cause injury
•Bibs/vests are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during passing practice
•Collisions between students during dynamic game play
•Falls or trips during rapid direction changes
•Overexertion during competitive game situations
•Finger injuries from poor catching technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between practicing pairs
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•No contact rule consistently enforced in games
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for fatigue or frustration affecting safety
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, follow school emergency protocols