Lesson 1 - Dribbling Control and Game Rules
Skill Mastery & Tactics
•Year 6
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around area perimeter, properly inflated
Alternative: Large rubber balls, netballs
Various colours for different activities
Alternative: Markers, spots
Multiple colours for group identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs, t-shirts
Key Vocabulary
Bouncing the basketball continuously while moving
Illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again
Moving with the ball without dribbling it
Keeping the ball close and manageable while dribbling
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
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