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Lesson 8 - Basketball Tournament Application

Skill Mastery & Tactics

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Year 6

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we demonstrate excellence in both skills and character during competitive basketball play?

Learning Objectives

To apply the rules and tactics learnt to play in a basketball tournament
To demonstrate good sportsmanship and character during competitive play
To effectively referee games and respect officials' decisions

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in a structured basketball tournament
Students will apply tactical knowledge to game situations
Students will demonstrate leadership, fair play and resilience

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

One ball per court, spares available courtside

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for modified games

Team bibs

30 (6 different colours)

Distribute 5 bands per team before tournament starts

Alternative: Coloured cones for team identification

Posts

Adjust height if possible for Year 6 students

Alternative: Target zones marked with cones, netball posts

Cards

6-8

Laminated for durability, one per referee

Alternative: Simple rule reminder sheets

Score Sheets

1 per tournament format

Clipboard and pencils for score recording

Alternative: Whiteboard for score tracking

Cones

Mark court boundaries and centre lines

Alternative: Court markings, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competitive event where teams play multiple games to determine winners

Double dribble

Illegal action of dribbling with two hands or stopping and starting dribbling again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling - against the rules

Foul

Illegal physical contact with an opponent during play

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage

Referee

Official who enforces rules and makes decisions during games

Sportsmanship

Fair, respectful and gracious behaviour in sport

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Understanding of basic basketball rules (double dribble, travelling, fouls)
Fundamental basketball skills - dribbling, passing, shooting
Basic tactical awareness in attack and defence

Current Skills

Applying rules and tactics in competitive tournament play
Demonstrating leadership and character under pressure
Refereeing games fairly and accurately

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and set plays
Specialised position play and role responsibilities
Coaching and mentoring younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies rules without prompting

Makes tactical decisions that benefit team performance

Shows resilience and positive attitude when losing

Key Teaching Points

Character development is as important as skill development in competitive situations
Rules create fairness and structure that allows everyone to enjoy basketball
Tactical thinking involves considering team needs rather than individual glory
Resilience and positive attitude matter most when facing challenges or losses
Respect for officials and opponents demonstrates true sportsmanship
Leadership opportunities exist for all students, not just team captains
Competition should bring out the best character traits in young people

Common Misconceptions

Winning is the only measure of success in tournaments - address by celebrating character and effort
Rules are just obstacles to fun - explain how rules create fairness and safety
Only the most skilled players can be leaders - show how character leadership is different from skill leadership
Referees are the enemy when they make decisions against you - teach respect and understanding of official roles
Individual brilliance is more important than teamwork - demonstrate power of collective effort
It's acceptable to give up when losing - teach that character is shown most in adversity

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with frequent breaks, clear role definitions, movement opportunities during waiting times

dyspraxia

Simplified rules initially, larger equipment, additional practice time, peer support system

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure with visual schedule, quiet reflection spaces available, consistent routines

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and high contrast bibs, provide verbal commentary during games, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual referee signals, written game instructions, vibrating whistle or visual start signals

physical disability

Modified court size, seated basketball option, adapted equipment like larger/lighter balls

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, vocabulary development, clear explanation of rules and tactics

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating win/loss ratios, time management during games

Science

Forces and motion in basketball techniques, energy transfer in passing and shooting

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of angles and directions

PSHE

Leadership development, resilience building, conflict resolution, fair play values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear view of all courts, able to move quickly between games

Observation Focus

Balance between skill application, rule adherence, and character development

Intervention Points

["Step in when games become overly physical or heated", "Support referees who are struggling with decisions", "Address poor sportsmanship immediately and positively"]

Demonstration Notes

Model positive reactions to wins and losses, show appropriate respect for officials, demonstrate good sportsmanship consistently

Verbal Cues

•'Excellent team play!'
•'Great resilience - keep fighting!'
•'Remember your spacing!'
•'Respect the referee's decision!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m per court, multiple courts with 2m clearance between them

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from hazards, appropriate for quick movements and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs correctly inflated and checked for damage
•Basketball posts secured and at appropriate height
•Team bands/bibs without sharp edges or broken fasteners

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during intense games
•Falls from rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes to head/face
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Referee monitoring for overly physical play
•Graduated intensity building through tournament

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for overview of all courts simultaneously
•Circulate between games to monitor safety and behaviour
•Ensure referees understand when to stop play for safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required