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Lesson 1 - Ball Control Under Pressure

Individual to Team Strategy

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Year 5

•

Basketball

•

1h 4min

Big Question

How can we use our body position and ball handling skills to maintain possession when defenders apply pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop basketball dribbling technique with both hands whilst maintaining control
To understand and apply the triple threat position in game situations
To use body positioning effectively to protect the ball from defenders

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved ball control using both hands
Students will apply triple threat position and pivoting to maintain possession
Students will show strategic awareness of space and timing when under pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Placed around court perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Playground balls, size 5 footballs for practice

Beanbags

3 (red, yellow, green)

Teacher holds during traffic lights activity

Alternative: Coloured cones or cards

Cones

20-30 small cones

Set up circuit stations and boundaries

Alternative: Markers or spots

Bibs

15 (different colours)

For team identification in possession games

Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Triple Threat

A ready position where a player can pass, dribble, or shoot

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball repeatedly with one hand while moving

Double Dribble

A violation where you bounce, hold the ball, then bounce again

Travelling

A violation when you move without dribbling the ball

Pivoting

Keeping one foot planted while turning to face different directions

Ball Protection

Using your body and non-dribbling arm to shield the ball from defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with simple ball games and rules

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling with both hands
Triple threat position and body positioning
Ball protection techniques under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling moves and crossovers
Passing while maintaining triple threat
Reading defensive situations for tactical decisions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control during movement

Quick transition to triple threat position

Effective use of body to shield ball from defenders

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position is fundamental to all basketball skills - emphasise throughout lesson
Head up awareness is crucial for safety and skill development in basketball
Ball protection using body positioning prevents turnovers and builds confidence
Fingertip control rather than palm contact gives superior ball handling
Progressive skill building from stationary to movement to pressure situations
Basketball vocabulary helps students understand and communicate about the game
Strategic use of space and timing develops tactical thinking abilities

Common Misconceptions

Students often think they must look at the ball while dribbling - emphasise developing 'feel' for the ball
Many believe faster dribbling means better control - stress that control and technique come first
Some think basketball is only about shooting - highlight importance of ball handling and movement skills
Students may assume they can only use their dominant hand - encourage bilateral development from the start
Common belief that triple threat is just a standing position - explain it's an active, ready position for decision-making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, break skills into smaller steps, extra practice time, focus on bilateral coordination development

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent language and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of movements, implement buddy system for guidance, use sound cues for direction changes

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, ensure eye contact before giving directions

physical disability

Adapt to seated position if needed, use larger/softer balls for easier handling, modify distances and intensity, focus on achievable movements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting dribbles and passes, measuring distances for circuit activities, calculating success rates in games

Science

Understanding forces in ball bouncing, biomechanics of movement, heart rate changes during activity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others' abilities and efforts

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Maintain central court position for maximum visibility, move to edges for individual feedback, stay mobile during group activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ball handling technique, spatial awareness during movement, application of protective skills under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe defending occurs, provide immediate feedback for technique corrections, support struggling students with simplified challenges

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with slow, exaggerated movements first, then show at game speed, use students as examples when they show good technique

Verbal Cues

•'Head up, trust your hands!'
•'Protect that ball - use your body as a shield!'
•'Triple threat position - ready for anything!'
•'Soft touches with your fingertips!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or equivalent space minimum 25m x 15m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry and free from obstacles, appropriate basketball court markings preferred

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify beanbags are securely fastened

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Contact between students during defensive activities
•Fatigue leading to reduced spatial awareness

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement rules
•Emphasise no-contact defending throughout
•Ensure adequate spacing between students during activities
•Regular hydration breaks in warm conditions
•Progressive skill building to prevent overwhelm

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum court visibility during free movement
•Monitor high-activity areas for potential collisions
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
•Ensure emergency stop signal is clearly understood

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop on whistle blast, assess any injuries with appropriate first aid response, clear communication with school medical support if needed