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Lesson 5 - Decision Making in Attack

Skill Integration Mastery

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Year 5

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How do great basketball players know exactly when to pass and when to dribble?

Learning Objectives

To develop decision-making skills in basketball attack situations
To apply tactical awareness when choosing between passing and dribbling
To demonstrate teamwork and communication during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved decision-making between passing and dribbling under pressure
Students will show tactical awareness by choosing appropriate actions based on game situation
Students will communicate effectively with teammates to support attacking play

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Distributed around court perimeter, properly inflated

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for younger students

Cones

Various colours for different activities, stored safely when not in use

Alternative: Markers, spots, or small equipment as targets

Hoops

Placed at corners and designated scoring areas

Alternative: Large cones, targets, or marked circles on ground

Team bibs

30 (2 different colours)

15 of each colour for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured cones to hold, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Decision-making

Choosing the best action based on what you see happening in the game

Pressure

When a defender is close to you and trying to win the ball

Space

An empty area on the court where you can move or dribble safely

Support

Moving to a position where your teammate can pass to you easily

Intercept

When the defender catches or steals the ball from the attacking team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling technique with control
Two-handed chest pass and catching skills
Understanding of simple basketball rules and scoring

Current Skills

Decision-making between passing and dribbling
Reading defensive pressure situations
Tactical awareness in small-sided games

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques (bounce pass, overhead pass)
Shooting from different positions
Defensive positioning and intercepting

Milestone Indicators

Consistently chooses appropriate action (pass/dribble) based on situation

Demonstrates improved ball control under defensive pressure

Shows leadership and communication during team play

Key Teaching Points

Dribble when you have space to move towards the target
Pass when defenders are close or teammates are in better positions
Read the defender's position before making your decision
Communicate with teammates to support successful attacks
Move after passing to create new opportunities
Encourage teammates and celebrate good decisions
Apply tactical thinking in all game situations

Common Misconceptions

Always dribbling even when passing would be better - correct by emphasising reading teammate positions
Always passing even when space is available to dribble - show examples of good dribbling opportunities
Making decisions too slowly under pressure - practice quick recognition of space and pressure
Not communicating intentions to teammates - model and encourage verbal and visual communication
Focusing only on individual success rather than team success - celebrate team achievements and good passing decisions

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, additional movement breaks, clear expectations and immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, slower basketballs for easier control, simplified rule sets, extra practice time with basic skills, supportive peer partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines for each activity, visual schedule showing lesson structure, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written key points on cards, ensure clear sight lines for instruction

physical disability

Seated passing and catching options, modified distances and equipment size, adapted roles as team coach or referee

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, effects of pressure on decision-making, body systems responding to exercise intensity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, reading space and movement patterns, understanding directions and angles of movement

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, managing competitive emotions, developing resilience when facing pressure, leadership skills development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups during activities, position at corner during games for optimal viewing of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for decision-making quality, tactical awareness, teamwork, and skill application under pressure

Intervention Points

["Step in if students consistently making poor tactical decisions", "Support groups struggling with rules or cooperation", "Challenge advanced students with additional tactical questions"]

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good and poor decisions, exaggerate tactical scenarios for clarity, celebrate good examples immediately

Verbal Cues

•'Read the defender - do you have space?'
•'Where's your teammate? Can you pass?'
•'Great decision-making!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m for warm-up, multiple 10m zones for skills, 7m x 7m for final game

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles, appropriate markings visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and free from defects
•Cones placed safely to avoid tripping hazards
•Hoops stable and positioned away from walls or obstacles
•Team bands not too tight and easily removable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Slips when changing direction quickly
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Controlled contact rules enforced throughout
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular drinks breaks and monitoring of exertion levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas like corners during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overcompetitive behaviour
•Ensure fair play and positive interactions

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal understood by all, first aid kit accessible, clear procedures for injuries