Lesson 3 - Passing Under Pressure
Skill Mastery & Tactics
•Year 6
•Basketball
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How can we select the most effective pass to beat defenders and create scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To develop decision-making skills when selecting appropriate passes under defensive pressure
- To execute chest and bounce passes accurately in game situations
- To understand tactical awareness when passing in basketball
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate passing technique in competitive situations
- Students will make tactical decisions about pass selection based on defensive positioning
- Students will show improved ball control when receiving passes under pressure
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all balls are properly inflated and distribute around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs if basketballs unavailable
Use for marking boundaries, targets, and court divisions
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles
Ensure equal distribution of colours for clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured bibs or ask students to tuck in shirts for team identification
Simplified rule cards focusing on travelling and double dribbling
Alternative: Simple rule sheets or verbal instructions
Key Vocabulary
A fundamental basketball pass thrown from chest level with both hands, creating a direct line to the receiver
A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver, effective against tall defenders
When the defending team catches or deflects a pass intended for the opposing team
When a player is being closely guarded by an opponent, making skills more challenging
The target area where teams must place the ball to score points
A rule violation where a player moves their feet illegally while holding the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and dribbling skills from previous lessons
- Understanding of basketball court boundaries and basic rules
- Experience with simple catching and throwing movements
Current Skills
- Chest pass technique with accuracy and speed
- Bounce pass execution and application
- Decision-making under defensive pressure
- Receiving passes while moving
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques including overhead passes
- Creating space for passing through movement
- Team passing strategies and plays
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Pass selection must match the defensive situation - chest pass when defender is low, bounce pass when defender is blocking high
- Quick ball movement prevents interception - hold the ball only long enough to identify the best passing option
- Two-handed catching with wide fingers creates larger target area and more secure possession
- Flat trajectory passes are harder to intercept than high, looped passes
- Communication between teammates improves passing accuracy and game flow
- Proper follow-through with hands pointing at target ensures pass accuracy
- Active defending requires anticipation and positioning rather than just reacting to the ball
Common Misconceptions
- That passing harder always means passing better - emphasise accuracy and appropriate speed
- That chest passes are always better than bounce passes - teach situational awareness
- That catching requires only hands - stress body positioning and preparation
- That defenders should always try to intercept - teach protective positioning as primary role
- That good passers don't need to think about receivers - emphasise communication and timing
- That referees are there to catch players out - explain referees maintain fair and safe play
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries, offer leadership roles, give regular specific feedback, allow movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls initially, break down techniques into smaller steps, provide extra practice time, allow alternative hand positions if needed
autism spectrum
- Provide clear activity structure, use visual schedules, allow processing time for instructions, provide quiet zones if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for spatial awareness, use audio cues for activity changes
hearing impairment
- Ensure clear visual demonstrations, use visual signals for starts/stops, provide written instruction cards, position for clear lip reading opportunities
physical disability
- Adapt to seated passing where needed, use larger/lighter balls as appropriate, modify distances, provide alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary, following and giving instructions, describing tactical decisions, communication during activities
Maths
Counting successful passes, measuring distances, angles of pass trajectories, timing activities, scoring and statistics
Science
Forces in ball flight, trajectory physics, reaction time, biomechanics of throwing and catching movements
PSHE
Fair play and honest refereeing, teamwork and communication, managing competition emotions, respect for rules and decisions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter during practices to observe all pairs, central position during demonstrations and instructions
Observation Focus
Watch for correct hand positioning, pass trajectory, catching technique, and tactical decision-making under pressure
Intervention Points
Step in to correct dangerous techniques, support struggling students with individual coaching, manage competitive elements positively
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, slow demonstrations initially, then full speed. Show common mistakes followed by correct technique. Use students as good examples when appropriate.
Verbal Cues
- •Hands either side of the ball!
- •Flat and quick pass!
- •Two hands for catching!
- •Look where the defender is!
- •Quick decision!
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 15m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and appropriate for ball bouncing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify team bands are clean and not damaged
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face during passing practice
- •Collisions during competitive activities
- •Slips from balls on floor during transitions
- •Overexertion during warm-up activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach proper catching technique with two hands
- •Establish clear boundaries and safe spacing between activities
- •Immediate collection of dropped balls
- •Progressive warm-up with adequate rest periods
- •Clear stop signals for all activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during skill practice
- •Monitor competitive activities for appropriate contact levels
- •Watch for signs of fatigue during extended activities
- •Ensure referee decisions maintain safe play
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury appropriately, provide first aid as needed, contact school office if serious injury occurs