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Lesson 3 - Passing in Game Situations

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 choose the right pass to beat the defence and keep possession?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate a variety of passes (chest and bounce pass) in practice situations
To select and apply appropriate passes in game situations under pressure
To understand when different passes are most effective against defensive pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will perform chest and bounce passes with increasing accuracy
Students will make tactical decisions about pass selection based on defensive positioning
Students will demonstrate improved ball control when receiving passes under pressure

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

15 (1 per pair plus extras)

Pre-positioned around activity area perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs for easier handling

Cones

Various colours for different activities - stored in equipment bag

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Team bibs

30 (2 different colours)

Sorted into two sets for easy distribution

Alternative: Coloured markers or wristbands

Cards

8 (1 per group)

Simplified basketball rules reference for student referees

Alternative: Laminated rule sheets

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A basketball pass thrown from chest level with both hands, creating a direct path to teammate

Bounce pass

A basketball pass that bounces once between the passer and receiver, useful against tall defenders

Interception

When a defender catches or deflects a pass intended for the opposing team

Under pressure

When a player is being closely guarded by defenders, making skills more challenging

Pass selection

Choosing the most appropriate type of pass based on the game situation and defensive positioning

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous basketball lessons
Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Basic catching skills with two hands

Current Skills

Chest pass technique with proper hand positioning
Bounce pass technique with correct trajectory
Pass selection based on defensive positioning
Catching under pressure situations

Next Steps

Advanced passing combinations in game play
Shooting techniques from passed balls
Complex offensive strategies and movement patterns

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching with proper hand positioning

Quick decision-making about pass type

Successful passes completed under defensive pressure

Key Teaching Points

Pass selection depends on defender positioning - high defence use bounce pass, low defence use chest pass
Quick decision-making is crucial - hesitation allows defenders to intercept
Hand positioning with elbows out protects the ball from defenders
Flat pass trajectory prevents easy interception compared to looped passes
Movement after passing creates space and better opportunities
Communication and teamwork are essential for successful passing combinations
Understanding rules as a referee develops deeper game knowledge

Common Misconceptions

Thinking all passes should be chest passes - need to vary based on defence
Believing harder passes are always better - control and accuracy matter more
Assuming you can't pass in basketball once you've dribbled - rules vary by game type
Thinking the defender can't intercept bounce passes - poor placement still gets intercepted
Believing passing is just throwing - tactical decision-making is the key skill

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular position changes, clear role definitions in games

dyspraxia

Size 3 basketballs for better control, reduced distances, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection time available

visual impairment

Use bright orange basketballs, clear verbal descriptions of pass types, buddy system for demonstrations

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game management, written rules cards

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified distances, larger balls for easier handling

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating pass success rates, measuring distances for bounce passes, angles of pass trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction effects on bounce passes, reaction time in games

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of angles and directions in court play

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play as referee, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, positioned at corner during demonstrations for visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for pass selection decisions, technique improvement, and tactical understanding development

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with pass selection or when games become too physical

Demonstration Notes

Use students as demonstration partners to show good technique, exaggerate key points for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Flat passes like laser beams!'
•'Look where the defender is!'
•'Quick decisions, quick passes!'
•'Protect the ball with your elbows!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m indoor court or playground area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for basketball activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and size 5 appropriate for Year 5
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify team bands are secure and won't cause strangulation risk

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from hard passes or rebounds
•Collisions during 2v1 games
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe zones between activities
•Teach appropriate passing force - no wild throws
•Ensure adequate spacing between groups during all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Clear rules about physical contact in games