Lesson 5 - Passing & Dribbling
Skill Mastery & Tactics
•Year 6
•Basketball
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How do we make smart decisions about when to pass and when to dribble in basketball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop decision-making skills in basketball attack situations
- To understand when to pass and when to dribble based on game context
- To apply tactical awareness under pressure in small-sided games
Key Outcomes
- Students will make appropriate decisions between passing and dribbling
- Students will demonstrate improved tactical awareness in attack
- Students will support teammates with effective communication
Equipment & Resources Required
Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls
Use bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk lines
Large enough for basketball to fit through easily
Alternative: Cones in circles, chalk circles, rope circles
Ensure clear colour distinction between teams
Alternative: Coloured cones to hold, different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
Choosing the best action based on the game situation
Open area on court where you can move without defenders
When defenders are close and trying to win the ball
Moving to help teammates by creating passing options
Understanding what's happening in the game and reacting appropriately
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dribbling technique with control
- Basic passing and catching skills
- Understanding of basketball scoring
Current Skills
- Decision-making between pass and dribble
- Reading game situations
- Tactical awareness in attack
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical combinations
- Defensive positioning and marking
- Game management and leadership
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Decision-making is based on space, teammate position, and defender pressure
- Dribble when you have space and a clear path to goal
- Pass when defenders are close or teammates are in better positions
- Communication and encouragement are essential for team success
- Reading the game situation quickly improves with practice
- Both passing and dribbling are important basketball skills
- Teamwork creates better scoring opportunities than individual play
Common Misconceptions
- Always dribbling is better than passing - explain when passing is more effective
- Good players never pass - demonstrate how the best players choose the right option
- Speed is more important than decision-making - emphasise smart choices over fast actions
- Only scoring matters - highlight how good decisions lead to team success
- Individual skills are enough - show how teamwork multiplies individual abilities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer leadership roles for engagement
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of decision-making initially, provide additional practice time and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear, predictable routines, use visual schedules for activities, offer quiet zones for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of space and positioning, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for start/stop, provide written game rules, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Modify to seated basketball with lower targets, adjust distances and court size, use larger/softer balls if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances between cones, counting successful passes and goals, calculating team scores and statistics
Science
Understanding forces in ball movement, reaction time in decision-making, cardiovascular effects of exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, reading space and movement patterns, understanding direction and angles
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges, empathy and encouragement of others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during skill work, central position for game observation
Observation Focus
Decision-making quality, skill execution under pressure, team communication
Intervention Points
When students consistently make poor decisions, when games become too physical, when students are struggling with concepts
Demonstration Notes
Use student demonstrations whenever possible, highlight both good and poor decisions for learning, show decision-making process step by step
Verbal Cues
- •'Look for space before you decide!'
- •'Is your teammate closer to goal?'
- •'Quick decision - pass or dribble?'
- •'Great choice - you read the game well!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor court - minimum 20m x 30m with multiple activity zones
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate for running and ball skills
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones are soft and won't cause injury if stepped on
- •Verify hoops are secure and appropriate size
- •Check team bands for tears or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during tag and game activities
- •Falls during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion during high-intensity games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups during skill work
- •Emphasis on controlled movements and safe play
- •Regular rest periods and hydration breaks
- •Clear rules about physical contact in games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas like goals and scoring zones
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and safe contact in games
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal understood by all, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact details available