Lesson 3 - Offence & Defence Skills
Strategy: Individual to Team
•Year 6
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter, ensure correct inflation
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, tennis balls for smaller hands
Mark court boundaries and activity zones
Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers
For distinguishing teams in game situations
Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers
Charged and ready for filming student demonstrations
Alternative: Camera for recording assessment evidence
Key Vocabulary
A dribbling move where the ball is bounced from one hand to the other in front of the body to change direction
Defensive position with body turned sideways to the attacker, one foot forward, arms extended
Quick, powerful initial movement to accelerate past a defender
Rotating on one foot whilst keeping it in contact with the ground to protect the ball or create space
A quick, fake step towards the defender to create a reaction before moving in the opposite direction
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
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