Lesson 3 - Passing in Game Situations
Skill Integration Mastery
•Year 5
•Basketball
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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
Pre-positioned around activity area perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs for easier handling
Various colours for different activities - stored in equipment bag
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
Sorted into two sets for easy distribution
Alternative: Coloured markers or wristbands
Simplified basketball rules reference for student referees
Alternative: Laminated rule sheets
Key Vocabulary
A basketball pass thrown from chest level with both hands, creating a direct path to teammate
A basketball pass that bounces once between the passer and receiver, useful against tall defenders
When a defender catches or deflects a pass intended for the opposing team
When a player is being closely guarded by defenders, making skills more challenging
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
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
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
- •Monitor high-energy activities for signs of fatigue
- •Watch for appropriate ball-handling force
- •Ensure referees are managing games safely
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid and support