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Lesson 3 - Offence & Defence Skills

Strategy: Individual to Team

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we use explosive movements and tactical awareness to outmanoeuvre defenders whilst maintaining ball control?

Learning Objectives

To develop advanced dribbling techniques including crossovers, spins, and direction changes to beat defenders
To understand and apply defensive positioning and shadowing techniques when defending against attackers
To demonstrate self-motivation, physical confidence, and active engagement in competitive basketball situations

Key Outcomes

Students will execute at least 3 different dribbling variations to change direction and beat defenders
Students will demonstrate effective defensive positioning using side-on stance and appropriate shadowing movements
Students will show sustained engagement and confidence in competitive 1v1, 2v2, and overload game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Distributed around court perimeter, ensure correct inflation

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, tennis balls for smaller hands

Cones

Mark court boundaries and activity zones

Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

For distinguishing teams in game situations

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Tablets

Charged and ready for filming student demonstrations

Alternative: Camera for recording assessment evidence

Key Vocabulary

Crossover

A dribbling move where the ball is bounced from one hand to the other in front of the body to change direction

Side-on stance

Defensive position with body turned sideways to the attacker, one foot forward, arms extended

Explosive first step

Quick, powerful initial movement to accelerate past a defender

Pivot

Rotating on one foot whilst keeping it in contact with the ground to protect the ball or create space

Jab step

A quick, fake step towards the defender to create a reaction before moving in the opposite direction

Shadowing

Following an attacker's movements closely whilst maintaining good defensive position

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with dominant hand
Understanding of basketball court areas and basic rules
Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling variations (crossover, spin, through legs)
Defensive positioning and shadowing techniques
Tactical awareness in attacking and defending scenarios

Next Steps

Complex attacking patterns with multiple players
Advanced defensive strategies including help defence
Full game application with officiating responsibilities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of 3+ dribbling variations under pressure

Effective defensive stance maintained throughout activities

Positive attitude and engagement in all competitive scenarios

Key Teaching Points

Crossover dribbles must be low and quick to be effective against defenders
Side-on defensive stance provides better balance and reaction capability than square stance
Explosive first steps require low body position and powerful drive from outside foot
Pivot foot must remain planted to avoid travelling violation whilst creating space
Off-ball movement through L-cuts and V-cuts creates passing opportunities for teammates
Self-motivation and physical confidence develop through appropriate challenge levels
Protecting the ball with off-arm is essential when attacking past defenders

Common Misconceptions

Thinking speed alone beats defenders - explain that change of pace and direction are more effective
Believing that complex skills are always better - emphasise that simple moves executed well often work best
Assuming that defence means reaching for the ball - teach positioning and anticipation over grabbing
Expecting immediate success with new skills - reinforce that improvement comes through practice and repetition
Thinking that individual skills are enough - highlight importance of teamwork and decision-making in games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with more frequent changes, clear visual boundaries, immediate positive feedback for focus and effort

dyspraxia

Larger balls for initial practice, simplified movement patterns, extended time for skill development, peer buddy support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet spaces available for breaks, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and audible cues, provide tactile demonstrations of correct body positioning, partner with sighted student for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear sight lines, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication during activities

physical disability

Adapted ball sizes and heights, seated variations of skills where appropriate, modified defensive positioning requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of movement during direction changes, counting successful skills execution, measuring reaction times

Science

Forces and motion in explosive movements, balance and centre of gravity in defensive stance, physics of ball bouncing

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directions and orientations during movement patterns

PSHE

Self-assessment and honest reflection, resilience in competitive situations, supporting teammates under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively around teaching space to observe all students, position at corners for maximum court visibility during games

Observation Focus

Monitor skill execution quality, defensive positioning, competitive engagement levels, and safety throughout

Intervention Points

Step in when defensive pressure becomes excessive, skills break down significantly, or competitive intensity becomes inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, exaggerate key points for visibility, contrast correct and incorrect techniques clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Keep it low!' for crossover technique
•'Explosive first step!' for beating defenders
•'Protect the ball!' during attacking moves
•'Stay balanced!' for defensive positioning

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or equivalent space minimum 20m x 15m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from moisture, debris, or damage that could cause slips or falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs correctly inflated to appropriate pressure
•Cones and markers with rounded edges and bright colours
•Recording equipment secured when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during dynamic dribbling and competitive activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Contact during defensive activities
•Ball strikes from poor control or deflections

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between groups
•Progressive skill building from passive to active defence
•Constant supervision during competitive phases
•Regular equipment checks throughout lesson

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Move actively between groups during practice phases
•Monitor fatigue levels during intense competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required