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Lesson 3 - Attacking & Dribbling Skills

Individual to Team Strategy

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Year 5

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we use different dribbling skills and changes of speed to outwit defenders?

Learning Objectives

To develop attacking skills using varying speed and direction to beat defenders
To understand and apply defensive principles against attacking players
To demonstrate self-motivation and physical confidence in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute dribbling variations to evade defenders
Students will apply defensive positioning and shadowing techniques
Students will engage confidently in competitive basketball scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (ideally 30)

Check inflation levels, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Tennis balls, playground balls for smaller students

Coloured Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Use to mark narrow channels and game boundaries

Alternative: Spots, markers, or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

15 (half the class)

Distinguish teams during game situations

Alternative: Different coloured teams shirts

Tablets

For assessment recording and feedback purposes

Alternative: Digital camera with video function

Key Vocabulary

Crossover dribble

Bouncing the ball from one hand to the other to change direction

Jab step

Quick fake step to deceive the defender before moving in opposite direction

Pivot

Turning on one foot whilst keeping the other foot planted

Side-on stance

Body positioned sideways to defender to protect the ball

Explosive first step

Quick, powerful initial movement to beat a defender

L-cut

Movement pattern creating L-shape to lose defender and receive pass

V-cut

V-shaped movement to shake off defender before receiving pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling with dominant hand
Understanding of personal space and court awareness
Basic passing and catching skills

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling techniques (crossover, through legs, spin moves)
Attacking movements using speed and direction changes
Defensive positioning and shadowing techniques

Next Steps

Complex attacking combinations in small-sided games
Advanced defensive strategies including help defence
Full court basketball game understanding

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control whilst changing direction

Ability to read defensive movements and react appropriately

Confident engagement in competitive situations

Key Teaching Points

Side-on stance protects the ball from defenders
Explosive first steps are crucial for beating defenders
Eyes up while dribbling maintains court awareness
Crossover dribbles must be low and controlled
Defenders shadow movements without reaching for ball initially
Jab steps and pivots create space for passing or attacking
Communication and teamwork are essential in competitive situations

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster dribbling is always better - control and timing are more important
Believing you must steal the ball to be a good defender - positioning is key
Assuming individual skills are more important than teamwork in games
Thinking mistakes mean failure - they are opportunities for learning and improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and rules, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for positioning, audio cues for direction changes

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, partner support for instruction relay

physical disability

Seated basketball version, modified equipment sizes, adjusted court dimensions, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of movement, geometry of cutting patterns, statistics from game outcomes, measuring distances for court setup

Science

Forces in dribbling and passing, physics of ball bounce, biomechanics of movement, energy systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, directions and orientations on court

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience and perseverance, leadership and communication, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, central position for demonstrations, close proximity for individual coaching

Observation Focus

Look for proper dribbling technique, defensive positioning, competitive engagement levels, and sporting behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play develops, when students show frustration, or when technique corrections are needed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate skills slowly first, then at game speed, use students as positive examples, show common mistakes vs correct technique

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes up, ball down!'
•'Protect the ball!'
•'Explosive first step!'
•'Stay low, stay balanced!'
•'Great effort, keep going!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half court minimum (15m x 15m), full court preferred for game activities

Surface Check

Indoor court with good grip, outdoor hard court acceptable in dry conditions

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated
•Inspect balls for damage or excessive wear
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Collisions during competitive games
•Finger injuries from poor catching technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between practice groups maintained
•Progressive skill building from stationary to full speed
•Proper warm-up before explosive movements
•Controlled competitive intensity with clear rules

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all practice areas
•Monitor competitive games for appropriate intensity
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Be alert during transitions between activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required