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Lesson 2 - Protective Dribbling Under Pressure

Skill Integration Mastery

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Year 5

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can I use my body and ball control to protect the ball when defenders are trying to steal it?

Learning Objectives

To develop protective dribbling techniques against defensive pressure
To apply basketball rules consistently in game situations
To demonstrate effective body positioning when dribbling under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to use their body as a barrier when dribbling
Students will demonstrate improved ball control under defensive pressure
Students will apply double dribble and travelling rules correctly in games

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for younger students

Cones

Mark boundaries, zones, and targets

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Team bibs

15 sets

Different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured balls

Cards

8 copies

Laminated cards for student referees

Alternative: Simplified rule sheets, visual prompt cards

Key Vocabulary

Protective dribbling

Using your body and positioning to shield the ball from defenders whilst maintaining control

Double dribble

Illegal move where a player dribbles, catches with both hands, then dribbles again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling it properly

Pivot

Keeping one foot stationary whilst moving the other to change direction

Barrier

Using your body to create a shield between the defender and the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with stationary ball control
Understanding of double dribble and travelling rules
Basic body positioning and balance

Current Skills

Protective dribbling using body as barrier
Non-dribbling arm positioning for ball protection
Maintaining ball control under defensive pressure

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling moves and fakes
Transition from dribbling to passing under pressure
Team strategies for creating space

Milestone Indicators

Student naturally turns body away from defender

Consistent use of non-dribbling arm for protection

Maintains low, balanced stance when under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Low, balanced stance with knees bent provides better ball control and protection
Turning the back to the defender creates the most effective barrier for ball protection
Non-dribbling arm extends naturally for protection without making illegal contact
Decision-making is crucial - assess whether to dribble, pass, or protect the ball
Protective dribbling is most effective in one-on-one pressure situations
Understanding basketball rules enhances game appreciation and fair play
Peer refereeing develops rule knowledge and respect for game officials

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Taller students always have advantage - Reality: Low stance and technique matter more than height
Misconception: Protective arm can push defender away - Reality: Arm creates space without contact
Misconception: Always dribble when pressured - Reality: Sometimes passing or protecting is better choice
Misconception: Rules are just restrictions - Reality: Rules make games fair and enjoyable for everyone
Misconception: Fancy moves are more effective - Reality: Simple, well-executed technique is more reliable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include frequent activity changes, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of protective movements initially, provide additional practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet spaces if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for activity progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, implement buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written rule cards, ensure visual contact before giving instructions

physical disability

Adapt protective stance to seated position if needed, use larger balls for easier control, modify defending intensity

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for game areas, counting successful protective dribbles, calculating success rates and improvement percentages

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball control, exploring balance and centre of gravity in protective stance

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of personal and team space, directional movement concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents and fair play principles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between activity areas to provide individual feedback and ensure safety, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for protective body positioning, appropriate defensive pressure, rule understanding and application

Intervention Points

Step in if contact becomes inappropriate, if students show frustration with rule violations, or if technique breaks down significantly

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate technique clearly before adding pressure, use students as examples when appropriate, exaggerate key points for visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Turn your back to the defender!'
•'Get low and balanced!'
•'Use your shield arm!'
•'Look before you decide!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m teaching area, clear of obstacles and with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for dribbling, free from hazards and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated to correct pressure
•Cones placed securely without sharp edges or damage
•Team bands checked for wear and tear

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling activities
•Slips and falls on hard court surface
•Contact during defensive pressure situations

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing enforced between students and groups
•Emphasis on legal contact only during defensive pressure
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor defensive pressure situations for appropriate contact
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation calmly, provide appropriate first aid or summon additional support as needed