Lesson 5 - Shooting Technique & Team Play
Individual to Team Strategy
•Year 5
•Basketball
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How can we use perfect shooting technique and team strategies to create and convert scoring opportunities in basketball?
Learning Objectives
- Master the BEEF shooting technique (Balance, Elbow, Eye line, Follow through) for accurate basketball shots
- Develop team strategies to create shooting opportunities through movement and communication
- Evaluate peers' performances using appropriate technical vocabulary and constructive feedback
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent BEEF technique when shooting from various positions
- Students will work collaboratively to create space and shooting opportunities for teammates
- Students will provide specific, technical feedback to help others improve their shooting accuracy
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation levels, distribute around activity area perimeter
Alternative: Playground balls, netballs if basketballs unavailable
Position around hall at different heights for differentiation
Alternative: Wall targets, hula hoops as targets, bins or containers
Mark corners of square for warm-up activity and game boundaries
Alternative: Spots, markers, or chalk lines
Pre-sorted into team sets for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands, wristbands, or team markers
Position at various heights for shooting practice
Alternative: Chalk circles, tape X marks, or hula hoops against wall
Ensure charged and ready for recording peer assessments
Alternative: Camera or designated student observers
Key Vocabulary
Basketball shooting technique: Balance, Elbow, Eye line, Follow through
Stable stance with knees slightly flexed and feet shoulder-width apart
Shooting elbow at 90 degrees with ball on palm, non-shooting hand supporting
Visual focus from eyes through ball to target
Snapping wrist forward on release with fingers pointing down
Moving to find an open position for shooting or receiving passes
Having more attacking players than defenders in a specific area
Helpful comments that identify what was done well and suggest improvements
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball control and dribbling skills from previous basketball lessons
- Understanding of offensive and defensive principles
- Experience giving and receiving constructive feedback
Current Skills
- BEEF shooting technique (Balance, Elbow, Eye line, Follow through)
- Creating and recognising shooting opportunities
- Using technical language to evaluate performances
Next Steps
- Advanced shooting techniques from different positions
- Complex team tactics and set plays
- Game-specific decision making under pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- BEEF technique must be demonstrated slowly and clearly with all components visible to students
- Peer coaching expectations require specific technical vocabulary and constructive feedback structure
- Numerical advantage games need clear tactical explanation of how extra players create opportunities
- Maintain technique standards even when game situations become competitive and exciting
- Self-assessment activities should encourage honest reflection rather than automatic positive responses
- Progressive difficulty ensures all students can experience success while being appropriately challenged
- Safety protocols especially important during defensive game situations and crossover activities
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think shooting power is more important than technique - emphasise accuracy through proper BEEF form
- Students might assume faster movement always creates better opportunities - teach controlled, purposeful movement
- Peer coaching can become general encouragement rather than specific technical feedback - model precise vocabulary use
- Numerical advantage might be seen as guaranteed success rather than opportunity requiring tactical awareness
- Self-assessment may default to either overly positive or negative - teach realistic evaluation skills
- BEEF technique might be seen as rigid rules rather than adaptable principles for different shooting situations
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes to maintain engagement, clear roles and responsibilities in each task, opportunities for leadership and peer teaching
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for BEEF technique coordination, larger targets and shorter distances initially, step-by-step breakdown with plenty of repetition
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with predictable routine progression, visual schedule showing lesson sequence, quiet zones available if overwhelmed by game noise
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured basketballs and targets with high contrast, provide detailed verbal descriptions of BEEF technique, buddy system for spatial orientation during activities
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all BEEF components, hand signals for game rules and feedback, written instruction cards for peer coaching criteria
physical disability
- Seated shooting variations maintaining BEEF principles, modified targets at appropriate heights, adapted throwing technique using available range of motion
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development and precise use of basketball terminology, structured feedback and evaluation using appropriate language
Maths
Angles and trajectory calculations for shooting arc, measuring distances for shooting practice, data collection on shooting accuracy percentages
Science
Forces and motion principles in ball flight and shooting mechanics, understanding of projectile motion and gravity effects on basketball shots
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience when techniques don't work immediately, leadership through peer coaching and support
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly around activity area to observe all students, position for clear sightlines during demonstrations, stand where voice carries to all participants
Observation Focus
Watch for correct BEEF technique maintenance, monitor peer feedback quality and technical language use, assess tactical decision-making during games
Intervention Points
Step in when safety protocols not followed, correct major technique errors that could become habitual, support students struggling with peer coaching expectations
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate BEEF components slowly and from side angle for clear visibility, use students as positive examples when possible, emphasise the contrast between correct and incorrect technique
Verbal Cues
- •'Remember your BEEF!' when technique breaks down
- •'Great technical coaching!' when students use proper vocabulary
- •'Find space!' during games when students bunch together
- •'Technique first, power second!' during shooting practice
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor sports hall minimum 20m x 15m, or outdoor basketball court with adequate run-off space around hoops
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, check for any loose equipment or trip hazards around court perimeter
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketball inflation levels - properly inflated but not over-inflated
- •Inspect hoops for secure mounting and appropriate height adjustments
- •Ensure wall targets are securely attached with safe materials
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face/head during passing and shooting practice
- •Collisions between students during crossover warm-up and games
- •Falls when attempting shots or during defensive movements
- •Overexertion during competitive game situations
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with cones for all activity areas
- •Adequate spacing maintained between pairs and small groups during practice
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to movement-based activities
- •Controlled defensive pressure - no aggressive physical contact allowed
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities during extended activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position teacher for maximum visibility of all activity areas
- •Move constantly between groups during practice and game sessions
- •Pay special attention to defensive interactions during games
- •Monitor fatigue levels that could affect safety and decision-making
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with whistle/voice command, assess any injuries with qualified first aid, have access to emergency contact information and first aid equipment