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Big Question

How can we use different passing techniques and movement to outwit defenders and maintain possession?

Learning Objectives

  • To demonstrate accurate chest and bounce passes with proper technique
  • To create space using cuts and movement to receive passes effectively
  • To evaluate teammates' performance using correct technical basketball language

Key Outcomes

  • All students will be able to perform basic chest and bounce passes with a target
  • Most students will create space using simple cuts and communicate effectively with teammates
  • Some students will demonstrate advanced passing techniques under pressure and provide detailed technical feedback

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball
1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Stored in ball rack at court edge for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls for younger students

Cones
22

Various colours for marking boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Bibs
15 (for End Ball game)

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured tops or arm bands

Video Device
1 (tablet/phone)

For recording peer assessment evidence

Alternative: Written observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A pass thrown directly from the chest using both hands with a pushing motion

Bounce Pass

A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver

Cut

An explosive change of pace and direction to create space

Target

Showing hands clearly to indicate where you want to receive the pass

Fake Pass

A deceptive movement that suggests you will pass in one direction before passing elsewhere

Double Dribble

Illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and dribbling skills from previous units
  • Understanding of personal space and safety in PE
  • Simple catching and throwing techniques

Current Skills

  • Chest pass and bounce pass techniques
  • Creating space through cutting movements
  • Peer assessment using technical language

Next Steps

  • Advanced passing under pressure
  • Combination movements and team tactics
  • Game strategies in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent technique in both passing methods
2
Effective communication with teammates
3
Accurate use of basketball terminology in assessments

Key Teaching Points

  • Master the five passing fundamentals: Catch, Protect, Step, Push, Provide target
  • Emphasise explosive changes of pace in cutting movements for effective space creation
  • Encourage consistent use of technical basketball vocabulary in all peer interactions
  • Maintain passing technique accuracy even under game pressure and time constraints
  • Develop spatial awareness and decision-making through progressive challenge activities
  • Foster positive peer assessment culture using specific, constructive technical language
  • Connect movement skills to tactical understanding in game applications

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking that throwing hard makes passes more effective - teach controlled pushing motion
  • Believing cuts should be gradual - emphasise explosive pace changes for effectiveness
  • Assuming bounce passes are easier - explain they require same technique as chest passes
  • Thinking feedback should focus on effort only - teach technical observation skills
  • Believing games are separate from skill practice - show clear connection between practice and application
  • Assuming all students learn at same pace - normalize different learning speeds and celebrate individual progress

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback, movement opportunities throughout
dyspraxia
  • Larger, softer equipment, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, step-by-step breakdown of skills, visual cues for technique
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent terminology throughout, quiet reflection spaces available, predictable routine and structure
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of cutting patterns, tactile guidance for hand positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, partner demonstrations, ensure visual contact before passing
physical disability
  • Modified passing from seated position, larger lighter balls, shorter distances, adapted cutting movements within individual capability

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions to teammates, descriptive language in peer assessment, communication skills

Maths

Calculating angles for bounce passes, measuring distances for optimal passing, counting successful passes and scoring statistics, geometry in cutting patterns

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, friction effects on bouncing balls, reaction times in catching and passing, physics of optimal bounce points

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, giving and receiving feedback constructively, supporting others' learning, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly to observe all students, position at corners during crossing for maximum visibility, stay close to games

Observation Focus

Look for proper passing technique, effective cutting movements, use of technical language in peer assessment

Intervention Points

Step in if safety issues arise, support students struggling with technique, facilitate peer assessment discussions

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at game speed. Use students as demonstration partners when appropriate. Emphasise key points through repetition and verbal emphasis.

Verbal Cues
  • 'Step into your pass!'
  • 'Show me your target hands!'
  • 'Explosive cut - change that pace!'
  • 'Use your basketball words!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for warm-up, smaller defined areas for skill practice, two 15m x 10m courts for games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, no wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check basketballs are correctly inflated and not damaged
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball impacts to face or body
  • Collisions during crossing activity
  • Slips and falls during cutting movements
  • Finger injuries from poor catching technique
Risk Mitigation
  • Teach proper catching technique with whole hands not fingertips
  • Emphasise no physical contact rule in games
  • Progressive speed building in warm-up activity
  • Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position for maximum visibility during crossing activity
  • Circulate actively during partner work to monitor technique
  • Stay close to games to monitor contact and behaviour
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess need for first aid, contact office if serious injury, continue with remaining students if appropriate