Lesson 4 - Push Pass Under Pressure
Ball Handling & Defence
•Year 5
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for passing practice
Positioned at various heights to accommodate different abilities
Alternative: Wall targets, large hoops, netball posts
Used to mark boundaries, defensive positions, and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, small equipment
Two colours for team games and scrimmages
Alternative: Different coloured equipment, bands
Key Vocabulary
A one-handed pass executed from a low triple threat position, using a pushing motion to deliver the ball accurately to a teammate
A low, balanced stance where a player can pass, shoot, or dribble, with knees bent and ball protected
A variation of push pass where the ball bounces two-thirds of the way to the receiver, arriving at waist height
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
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