Lesson 1 - Ball Control Under Pressure
Individual to Team Strategy
•Year 5
•Basketball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
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
Placed around court perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Playground balls, size 5 footballs for practice
Teacher holds during traffic lights activity
Alternative: Coloured cones or cards
Set up circuit stations and boundaries
Alternative: Markers or spots
For team identification in possession games
Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
A ready position where a player can pass, dribble, or shoot
Bouncing the ball repeatedly with one hand while moving
A violation where you bounce, hold the ball, then bounce again
A violation when you move without dribbling the ball
Keeping one foot planted while turning to face different directions
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
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