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Lesson 5 - Passing & Dribbling

Skill Mastery & Tactics

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Year 6

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Basketball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Basketball

Check balls are properly inflated and in good condition

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, playground balls

Cones

Use bright colours for clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk lines

Hoops

Large enough for basketball to fit through easily

Alternative: Cones in circles, chalk circles, rope circles

Team bibs

30 (2 sets of different colours)

Ensure clear colour distinction between teams

Alternative: Coloured cones to hold, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Decision making

Choosing the best action based on the game situation

Space

Open area on court where you can move without defenders

Pressure

When defenders are close and trying to win the ball

Support

Moving to help teammates by creating passing options

Tactical awareness

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

Consistently makes good decisions under pressure

Demonstrates tactical awareness

Shows leadership in team play

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