Lesson 5 - Rebounding and Box-Out Technique
Ball Handling & Defence
•Year 5
•Basketball
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How can I use positioning and body movement to control space and win possession of the ball?
Learning Objectives
- Develop awareness of space and positioning when anticipating rebounds
- Master the box-out technique to create space and prevent opponents from reaching the ball
- Apply rebounding skills in competitive game situations with defensive and offensive strategies
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct box-out positioning between opponent and basket
- Students will execute the complete rebounding sequence from box-out to secure possession
- Students will apply rebounding skills effectively in small-sided game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in ball rack at centre of court for easy access
Alternative: Size 5 basketballs for easier handling, playground balls if basketballs unavailable
Spaced around gymnasium perimeter for maximum practice opportunities
Alternative: Netball hoops, targets on walls, or portable hoops
Used for positioning drills and boundary marking
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk marks
Clear team identification for competitive activities
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands
Key Vocabulary
Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot attempt
Defensive technique where you position your body between opponent and basket to control rebounding space
Balanced stance with knees bent, back straight, arms out for optimal movement and stability
Rotating on one foot while keeping that foot planted, used to protect the ball and change direction
Quick change from defensive rebounding to attacking play
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic basketball handling and dribbling skills
- Understanding of shooting technique and basket positioning
- Experience with defensive positioning and movement
Current Skills
- Box-out technique and body positioning
- Rebounding anticipation and ball tracking
- Transition from defence to attack
Next Steps
- Advanced rebounding in full game situations
- Team rebounding strategies and communication
- Fast break opportunities from defensive rebounds
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Box-out timing is crucial - establish position when shot goes up, not before
- Athletic position with knees bent and arms wide provides stability and control
- Contact should be firm but controlled - use forearm, not hands to push
- Read the ball trajectory off backboard rather than just watching the shooter
- Secure possession with two hands before attempting any pivot or movement
- Transition quickly from defensive rebound to attacking opportunity
- Communication between partners improves rebounding success in games
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they should grab or hold opponents rather than maintain position - correct with demonstration of legal contact
- Belief that jumping is most important for rebounding rather than positioning - emphasise position over athleticism
- Assumption that rebounding is only about height - show how technique beats size
- Thinking contact is aggressive rather than controlled - practice gentle but firm pressure
- Focusing only on the ball rather than opponent position - teach opponent awareness first
- Believing box-out starts when ball is in air - teach anticipation and early positioning
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent feedback and encouragement, use movement breaks between explanations, allow fidget tools during discussions
dyspraxia
- Slow down demonstration speed, practice each component separately before combining, use larger balls for easier catching, provide extra practice time with support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, use consistent language and routines, allow breaks if overstimulated, create quiet practice space if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, assign sighted partner for guidance, use tactile markers for positioning
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for timing, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated rebounding practice, modified box-out from wheelchair, adapted ball size and weight, focus on arm positioning rather than full body stance
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting 3-second intervals, measuring 5-metre distances, calculating shooting angles and ball trajectories, statistics from rebound success rates
Science
Forces and motion in ball rebounds, gravity effects on ball trajectory, lever principles in jumping for rebounds, momentum transfer in contact
Geography
Court positioning and spatial relationships, mapping movement patterns, understanding angles and directions in space
PSHE
Cooperation in partner activities, resilience when learning difficult techniques, respect during physical contact situations, fair play in competition
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter to observe all groups, position centrally for demonstrations, stay mobile during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct box-out timing, monitor contact pressure, check ball-handling technique, assess game application
Intervention Points
Step in if contact becomes too aggressive, correct technique immediately to prevent bad habits, support struggling students with individual guidance
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, invite confident students to demonstrate with you, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Athletic position - knees bent, arms wide!'
- •'Make contact, feel your opponent behind you!'
- •'Position first, then react to the shot!'
- •'Two hands on the ball, pivot to space!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full basketball court minimum 28m x 15m with clear boundaries, multiple basket access preferable
Surface Check
Non-slip surface essential, check for wet patches or debris, ensure court lines are clear
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure basketball hoops are secure and at appropriate height
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Physical contact during box-out technique
- •Collisions when pursuing rebounds
- •Falls when pivoting or changing direction quickly
- •Ball strikes from missed shots or rebounds
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach controlled contact technique to prevent aggressive play
- •Establish clear boundaries for rebounding areas
- •Emphasise two-handed catching for secure ball control
- •Monitor fatigue levels during competitive activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all rebounding activities
- •Monitor contact levels during box-out drills
- •Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
- •Check competitive element doesn't compromise safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely supervised