Lesson 6 - Game Application and Competition
Strategy: Individual to Team
•Year 6
•Basketball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can I use all my basketball skills effectively in competitive game situations while demonstrating excellent sportsmanship?
Learning Objectives
- To apply dribbling, passing and shooting techniques effectively in competitive game situations
- To demonstrate tactical understanding of attacking and defending principles in basketball
- To show self-motivation, physical confidence and active engagement in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate mastery of basketball skills in game contexts
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates and make tactical decisions
- Students will actively engage in competitive situations with confidence and good sportsmanship
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Different sized balls for differentiation - size 5, 6 or 7
Positioned to create multiple scoring opportunities
Alternative: Large hoops, netball posts, or targets drawn on walls
Used for court boundaries and assessment groupings
Alternative: Spots, markers, or chalk lines
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Bands, pinnies, or different coloured t-shirts
For assessment evidence and performance analysis
Alternative: Smartphone or digital camera
For student referees and teacher control
Alternative: Voice commands or hand signals
Key Vocabulary
A violation where a player dribbles the ball, stops, then starts dribbling again
A violation where a player moves their feet without dribbling the ball
Strategies used by the team with possession to score points
Strategies used by the team without possession to prevent scoring
An official who enforces rules and ensures fair play during games
Core values of passion, self-belief, respect, honesty, determination and teamwork
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dribbling techniques with stationary and moving practice
- Fundamental passing skills including chest pass and bounce pass
- Basic shooting technique and stance
- Understanding of simple game rules and court awareness
Current Skills
- Application of all basketball skills in competitive game contexts
- Tactical understanding of attacking and defending principles
- Advanced communication and teamwork in game situations
- Self-assessment and peer evaluation of performance
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play including set plays and defensive strategies
- Leadership roles in organising and coaching others
- Analysis and evaluation of team and individual performance
- Transition to adult basketball rules and regulations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise skill application in competitive contexts rather than isolated practice
- Build confidence through progressive challenge from small-sided to full games
- Focus on School Games Values as much as skill development
- Use peer officiating to deepen rule understanding and responsibility
- Maintain positive competitive atmosphere while teaching resilience
- Provide multiple assessment opportunities through self, peer and teacher evaluation
- Connect learning to community opportunities for continued engagement
Common Misconceptions
- Competition is only about winning - emphasise process, effort and values over results
- Only skilled students can contribute to team success - highlight different roles and contributions
- Rules are restrictive - explain how rules enable fair play and enjoyment for all
- Basketball is too difficult for some students - demonstrate adaptations and progressive development
- Assessment is only about physical skills - emphasise holistic development including attitudes and knowledge
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger, lighter balls initially, break down skills into smaller steps, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activities, create quiet zones for breaks, maintain consistent rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured, larger basketballs with sound elements, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, use buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Adapt to seated basketball or modified movements, use lower hoops or larger targets, adjust court sizes as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills with teammates, vocabulary development through basketball terminology, listening skills during instructions
Maths
Scoring systems and points calculation, time management during games, geometric understanding of court spaces and angles
Science
Understanding forces and motion in ball movement, energy transfer in shooting and passing, physical fitness and body systems
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in competitive situations, respect for rules and officials, self-confidence building
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position between courts for maximum visibility, move dynamically to support different groups
Observation Focus
Skill application under pressure, communication and teamwork, demonstration of School Games Values, competitive engagement
Intervention Points
Step in when rules confusion occurs, support struggling students, celebrate positive behaviours immediately
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples, demonstrate rules clearly before games, show referee signals and decisions, model appropriate competitive behaviour
Verbal Cues
- •'Keep your head up when dribbling!'
- •'Look for the pass, not just the shot!'
- •'Great teamwork - that's exactly what I want to see!'
- •'Remember the double dribble rule!'
- •'Show me those School Games Values!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor playground or indoor sports hall, minimum 30m x 20m for two courts
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, debris, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated and have no damage
- •Ensure cones are stable and not cracked
- •Verify hoops are securely positioned and safe height
- •Test whistles are working and hygienic
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during fast-paced games
- •Trips and falls on court surface
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Overexertion during competitive play
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established with adequate run-off space
- •Proper spacing between multiple courts
- •Progressive skill building before full competition
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
- •Appropriate supervision ratios maintained
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts and activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas around hoops and boundaries
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure student referees are supported and safe
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on whistle signal, assess injuries calmly, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed