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Lesson 1 - Ball Control Under Pressure

Strategy: Individual to Team

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can I use my body and skills to maintain control of the basketball when defenders are trying to steal it?

Learning Objectives

To control a basketball using both hands and protect the ball under pressure
To demonstrate the triple threat position and understand its tactical importance
To apply ball handling skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will maintain ball control whilst dribbling under defensive pressure
Students will demonstrate correct triple threat positioning consistently
Students will show improved agility, balance, coordination and precision in basketball skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around area perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, large playground balls

Beanbags

3 (red, yellow, green)

Teacher holds during warm-up activity

Alternative: Coloured cones, traffic light cards

Dish Cones

Set up circuit stations and area boundaries

Alternative: Spots, chalk lines, playground markings

Bibs

4 sets of different colours

Ready for team identification in possession games

Alternative: Coloured headbands, team badges

Key Vocabulary

Triple Threat

A ready position where a player can pass, dribble or shoot the ball

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously using fingertips whilst moving

Double Dribble

A violation where you dribble, hold the ball, then dribble again

Travelling

A violation when you move your feet without dribbling the ball

Pivoting

Keeping one foot planted whilst turning on the other foot

Ball Shielding

Using your body and non-dribbling arm to protect the ball from defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball bouncing and catching skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with simple ball games and rules

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling with fingertip control
Triple threat positioning and transitions
Ball protection techniques under pressure
Basketball terminology and rule understanding

Next Steps

Passing techniques and accuracy
Shooting form and technique
Team tactics and positioning
Advanced game strategies

Milestone Indicators

Maintains dribble for 30 seconds whilst moving

Can change direction smoothly without losing control

Uses body effectively to shield ball from defenders

Demonstrates correct triple threat position consistently

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position is fundamental - feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, ball at chest height
Dribbling uses fingertips with wrist snap, not palm contact with ball
Body positioning and non-dribbling arm essential for ball protection
Eyes up while dribbling to maintain spatial awareness and see opportunities
Controlled movements are more effective than speed without control
Basketball terminology should be used consistently to build understanding
Ball handling skills transfer from individual practice to game situations

Common Misconceptions

Students think dribbling faster means better control - emphasise technique over speed
Many believe looking at ball is necessary - teach importance of peripheral vision
Assumption that triple threat is just standing still - explain it's an active, ready position
Thinking ball protection means running away - teach to use body as shield
Belief that violations don't matter in practice - explain importance of correct habits
Misconception that basketball is only about individual skills - emphasise team aspects

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback, movement breaks built into learning

dyspraxia

Larger basketballs for easier handling, slower movement patterns, extra practice time, simplified motor skill requirements, focus on one skill at a time

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet break areas available, consistent language and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system with sighted partner, use sound cues for signals

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations for all instructions, clear hand signals for game commands, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher at all times

physical disability

Seated basketball variations, modified dribbling using available mobility, adapted equipment like lighter balls, focus on decision-making and tactics

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using technical vocabulary correctly, communication during team activities

Maths

Counting successful passes, timing activities, measuring distances for circuits, angles of movement and direction changes

Science

Forces and friction in ball bouncing, body systems during physical activity, physics of ball control and momentum

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for opponents, managing emotions under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate during practice, corner positions during games for full court visibility

Observation Focus

Ball control technique, spatial awareness, application of skills under pressure, team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if defensive play becomes too aggressive, correct major technique errors immediately, support students struggling with concepts

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate with exaggerated, clear movements. Show common mistakes followed by correct technique. Use student demonstrations to reinforce learning points.

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips, not palms!'
•'Protect the ball with your body!'
•'Eyes up, see the space!'
•'Low and controlled dribbling!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor court, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, check for any hazards or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated to correct pressure
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during dribbling activities
•Ball strikes from uncontrolled dribbling
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Over-aggressive defensive play in pressure games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate space
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movements rather than speed
•Regular reminders about safe defensive pressure

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-intensity games for safety
•Circulate during individual practice to provide guidance

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on whistle, assess any incidents, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident forms if required