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Lesson 1 - Dribbling Control and Game Rules

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 use basketball dribbling skills whilst following the rules to keep possession under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To be able to dribble the ball abiding by the double dribble and travelling rules
To demonstrate increasing control when dribbling under pressure
To apply basketball rules consistently during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will dribble with improved control using correct technique
Students will understand and apply double dribble and travelling rules
Students will make tactical decisions about when to dribble versus pass

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

30 (1 per student)

Distributed around area perimeter, properly inflated

Alternative: Large rubber balls, netballs

Cones

Various colours for different activities

Alternative: Markers, spots

Team bibs

Multiple colours for group identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs, t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the basketball continuously while moving

Double Dribble

Illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling it

Control

Keeping the ball close and manageable while dribbling

Pressure

When opponents are close and trying to steal the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of personal space
Experience with team games

Current Skills

Controlled dribbling technique
Basketball rule knowledge
Decision making under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling moves
Shooting techniques
Complex team strategies

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control for 30+ consecutive dribbles

Demonstrates rule knowledge in game situations

Shows tactical awareness when choosing to dribble or pass

Key Teaching Points

Dribbling technique: fingertips, waist height, eyes up for awareness
Double dribble rule: cannot dribble, catch, then dribble again
Travelling rule: cannot move with ball unless dribbling
Safety first: controlled movement and spatial awareness at all times
Fair play: honesty in rule application and respect for opponents
Decision making: when to dribble versus when to pass to teammates
Progressive challenge: build from individual control to game application

Common Misconceptions

Using palm instead of fingertips - leads to poor control and ball handling
Thinking travelling means any movement - clarify it's only movement without dribbling
Believing double dribble applies to continuous dribbling - explain it's about stopping and starting
Focusing only on ball when dribbling - emphasise importance of head up for awareness
Thinking faster is always better - stress control and technique over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, regular movement breaks and variety

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time and encouragement

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured basketballs, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game commands, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated dribbling version, larger lighter balls, modified rules for movement

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in ball bouncing, gravity effects, energy transfer from hand to ball

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and movement patterns, understanding of positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and honesty, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility, central position for demonstrations, close supervision during games

Observation Focus

Technical skill development, rule application, safety awareness, and positive social interaction

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or rule violations need addressing

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, contrast correct with incorrect technique, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips on the ball!'
•'Eyes up, see the space!'
•'Waist height control!'
•'Pass when under pressure!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, ideally basketball court or large hall

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from hazards and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•All basketballs properly inflated to correct pressure
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Team bands in good condition without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during high-intensity activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between students during all activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
•Emphasis on controlled movement over speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students and activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating
•Ensure fair play and appropriate physical contact

Emergency Procedures

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