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Lesson 2 - Protective Dribbling 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 I use my body and positioning to keep possession of the ball when defenders are trying to steal it?

Learning Objectives

To develop protective dribbling skills against defensive pressure
To apply basketball rules consistently in game situations
To demonstrate effective body positioning and ball protection techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will show improved control when dribbling under pressure
Students will use their body as a barrier to protect the ball
Students will consistently apply double dribble and travelling rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

30 (1 per student)

Distribute around perimeter before lesson starts

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or similar bouncing balls if basketballs unavailable

Cones

Use for boundaries, end zones, and activity markers

Alternative: Flat markers or chalk lines for boundaries

Team bibs

15 sets (2 colours)

Separate into two distinct colours for team identification

Alternative: Different coloured pinnards or jerseys

Cards

8 copies

Laminated cards showing key basketball rules for student referees

Alternative: Teacher-created rule summary sheets

Key Vocabulary

Protective dribbling

Using your body as a shield between the defender and the ball while maintaining control

Double dribble

Illegally dribbling after catching the ball with both hands, or dribbling with both hands simultaneously

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling, taking more than one step while holding the ball

Pivoting

Rotating around one foot (pivot foot) while keeping that foot planted on the ground

Barrier

Using your body to create space between the defender and the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with stationary ball control
Understanding of double dribble and travelling rules
Fundamental movement skills like running and changing direction

Current Skills

Protective dribbling using body as barrier
Switching dribbling hands under pressure
Applying rules consistently in competitive situations

Next Steps

Passing under pressure in game situations
Reading defensive movements and reacting appropriately
Advanced offensive moves like crossover dribbles

Milestone Indicators

Student maintains possession for 20+ seconds against active defender

Student correctly identifies and self-reports rule violations

Student successfully progresses ball towards target under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Protective dribbling requires low stance with bent knees and wide feet for stability and control
Body positioning is crucial - turn sideways to create a barrier between defender and ball
Non-dribbling arm extends as protection but must not push the defender
Ball should be kept low and close to the body on the side away from the defender
Switching dribbling hands is essential when defender changes position or applies pressure
Decision-making between dribbling and passing depends on defensive pressure and teammate positioning
Basketball rules (travelling and double dribble) must be consistently applied in all game situations

Common Misconceptions

Students think protective dribbling means pushing defenders away with free arm - clarify it's about creating space with body position
Many believe faster dribbling equals better protection - emphasise control and positioning over speed
Some students face the defender directly instead of turning sideways - demonstrate proper body angle
Students often dribble too high when under pressure - reinforce low, controlled dribbling technique
Students may think they can only dribble with their dominant hand - encourage weak hand development
Some believe they must always dribble when pressured - teach when to pass as alternative option

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide immediate feedback, establish clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Use larger, easier-to-handle equipment, reduce complexity of movement patterns, allow extra practice time for technique development

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine and structure, offer quiet break zones, use visual schedules for activity transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of techniques, establish buddy system for support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure visual contact when giving instructions

physical disability

Modify to seated basketball or use larger balls, adjust court size and defensive pressure, provide alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting ball touches and scores, measuring court dimensions, calculating time intervals for activities

Science

Understanding forces in dribbling and ball control, friction between ball and surface, reaction times under pressure

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles for ball protection, court mapping and zone concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing defensive pressure, respect for opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during activities to observe all groups, position centrally during whole-class instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for correct protective dribbling technique, appropriate defensive pressure, and adherence to basketball rules

Intervention Points

Step in if defensive pressure becomes excessive, technique is unsafe, or rule violations are persistent

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for protective stance visibility, demonstrate with student volunteers for realistic pressure scenarios

Verbal Cues

•'Low stance, knees bent!'
•'Turn your back to the defender!'
•'Use your barrier arm!'
•'Switch hands to protect the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area for main activities, multiple 10m x 15m courts for games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate for ball bouncing and movement

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 not torn or have dangerous fasteners

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic dribbling activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Inappropriate physical contact during defensive play

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and ensure adequate spacing
•Teach appropriate defensive pressure without grabbing or pushing
•Monitor ball height to prevent facial injuries
•Emphasise controlled movement throughout activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during games and pressure activities
•Monitor defensive pressure levels and intervene if excessive
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and decision-making

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical assistance as required