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Lesson 3 - Passing Under Pressure

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 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

Basketball

Check all balls are properly inflated and distribute around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs if basketballs unavailable

Cones

Use for marking boundaries, targets, and court divisions

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles

Team bibs

Ensure equal distribution of colours for clear team identification

Alternative: Coloured bibs or ask students to tuck in shirts for team identification

Cards

8 sets

Simplified rule cards focusing on travelling and double dribbling

Alternative: Simple rule sheets or verbal instructions

Key Vocabulary

Chest Pass

A fundamental basketball pass thrown from chest level with both hands, creating a direct line to the receiver

Bounce Pass

A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver, effective against tall defenders

Intercepted

When the defending team catches or deflects a pass intended for the opposing team

Under Pressure

When a player is being closely guarded by an opponent, making skills more challenging

End Zone

The target area where teams must place the ball to score points

Travelling

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

Consistent accuracy in pass execution

Quick decision-making under pressure

Understanding of when to use different pass types

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