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Lesson 5 - Rebounding and Box-Out Technique

Ball Handling & Defence

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Year 5

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Basketball

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1h 3min

Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Stored in ball rack at centre of court for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 basketballs for easier handling, playground balls if basketballs unavailable

Basketball Hoops

5 hoops minimum

Spaced around gymnasium perimeter for maximum practice opportunities

Alternative: Netball hoops, targets on walls, or portable hoops

Cones

12 cones

Used for positioning drills and boundary marking

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk marks

Bibs

15 (two colours)

Clear team identification for competitive activities

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands

Key Vocabulary

Rebound

Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot attempt

Box-out

Defensive technique where you position your body between opponent and basket to control rebounding space

Athletic position

Balanced stance with knees bent, back straight, arms out for optimal movement and stability

Pivot

Rotating on one foot while keeping that foot planted, used to protect the ball and change direction

Transition

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

Consistent box-out contact with opponent

Successfully anticipates rebound direction 70% of time

Secures possession and initiates counter-attack smoothly

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