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Lesson 8 - Basketball Tournament Application

Skill Integration Mastery

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Year 5

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we apply our basketball skills and knowledge of rules and tactics to compete fairly and effectively in a tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply learned rules and tactics in competitive basketball games
To demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship during tournament play
To work collaboratively as a team whilst displaying positive character traits

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply basketball rules during tournament games
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in attacking and defending situations
Students will show respect for opponents, teammates, and referees throughout the tournament

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

One ball per game, extras for warm-up

Alternative: Size 5 footballs if basketballs unavailable

Team bibs

30 (6 different colours)

5 students per colour for six teams setup

Alternative: Coloured cones for team identification

Basketball Hoops

Adjust court setup based on available posts

Alternative: Cones to mark scoring zones on end lines

Cards

8 copies

Standard and simplified versions available

Alternative: Simple rule reminder posters

Score Sheets

1 per tournament format

Four-team or six-team format sheets

Alternative: Whiteboard for score tracking

Cones

Mark court boundaries and centre lines

Alternative: Court markings with chalk

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple games against different opponents

Tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to gain advantage in attack or defence

Double Dribble

Illegal move where a player dribbles with both hands or stops dribbling then starts again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling it (more than two steps)

Referee

Official who enforces the rules and ensures fair play during the game

Sportsmanship

Playing fairly, respecting opponents, and accepting results gracefully

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball skills (dribbling, passing, shooting)
Understanding of key rules (travelling, double dribble, fouls)
Experience of small-sided games and basic tactics

Current Skills

Applying rules consistently in competitive situations
Using tactical awareness in tournament format
Demonstrating sportsmanship and fair play under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations and set plays
Leadership skills in officiating and team management
Transition to full-court basketball games

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies rules without prompting

Makes tactical decisions that benefit the team

Shows positive behaviour regardless of game outcome

Can explain rules to others and officiate fairly

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise that tournament success is measured by sportsmanship and effort, not just winning games
Ensure referees feel supported and confident in their decision-making roles
Use reflection time between games to develop tactical awareness and team problem-solving
Model and reinforce respect for officials, opponents, and teammates throughout the session
Adapt court setups and rules to accommodate available space and equipment while maintaining learning objectives
Focus on quality of movement and decision-making rather than just speed and intensity
Celebrate positive character traits and behaviours equally with sporting achievements

Common Misconceptions

Students may think winning is the only measure of success - emphasise effort, improvement, and sportsmanship
Some may believe aggressive play shows determination - teach controlled, skilful play as true strength
Students might think referees are against them - explain referees ensure fair play for everyone
Teams may focus only on their best players - encourage inclusive play and team support
Some students may give up when losing - teach resilience and the value of continued effort
Misconception that rules limit fun - explain how rules create fair and safe competition for all

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide frequent activity changes through game rotations, clear and immediate feedback, designated roles to maintain focus and engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier-to-handle balls, provide additional practice time, simplify movement patterns, offer alternative ways to participate

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for tournament format, offer quiet spaces for breaks, use visual schedules for game rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, implement buddy system for navigation and support

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game management, provide written copies of rules and instructions, ensure clear visual demonstrations of all concepts

physical disability

Adapt court sizes and equipment height, allow wheelchair participation with modified rules, provide seated refereeing opportunities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in team discussions, explaining rules clearly, and articulating tactical ideas

Maths

Scoring systems, time management, statistical analysis of team performance and tournament results

Science

Understanding of forces and motion in ball movement, physics of shooting techniques, and body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on court, understanding of movement patterns and space usage

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, managing emotions under pressure, showing respect and empathy for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing oversight of all courts, mobile to support referees and provide coaching input

Observation Focus

Monitor rule application, tactical decision-making, team cooperation, and sportsmanship throughout games

Intervention Points

Step in if rules are consistently misapplied, unsafe play develops, or negative behaviours emerge

Demonstration Notes

Model positive interactions with referees, show examples of good sportsmanship, and demonstrate tactical concepts when teaching moments arise

Verbal Cues

•'Great teamwork!' when students support each other
•'Remember to respect the referee's decision' if disputes arise
•'What's your best tactical option here?' to promote thinking
•'Excellent sportsmanship!' when positive behaviours are observed

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts, or adaptable space for available setup

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketball posts securely positioned with adequate clearance space
•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Team bands/bibs checked for damage, no sharp edges or loose fastenings
•Cones placed safely to mark boundaries without creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Contact injuries from aggressive play or poor technique
•Trips and falls on court surfaces or over equipment
•Overexertion during sustained tournament play
•Emotional reactions to competitive pressure or losing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate buffer zones
•Emphasis on controlled play rather than maximum intensity
•Regular breaks between games to prevent fatigue
•Referee oversight to prevent dangerous play
•Emphasis on sportsmanship to reduce aggressive behaviours

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher positioned for clear overview of all active courts
•Student referees supported and guided in decision-making
•Adult intervention readily available for disputes or safety concerns
•Monitoring of student fatigue and emotional state throughout tournament

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, and modify activity as needed for remaining participants