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Lesson 2 - Passing & Creating Space

Strategy: Individual to Team

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Year 6

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Basketball

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1h 2min

Big Question

How can we use different passing techniques and clever movement to maintain possession and build attacking play?

Learning Objectives

To develop chest pass and bounce pass techniques with accuracy and power
To understand and apply cutting movements to create space for receiving passes
To evaluate peers' performance using correct technical basketball terminology

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved passing accuracy in game situations
Students will successfully use L-cuts and V-cuts to lose defenders
Students will provide constructive feedback using basketball-specific vocabulary

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Properly inflated, checked for damage before lesson

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs if basketballs unavailable

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones

Used to mark boundaries and crossing points

Alternative: Spot markers or bean bags for area marking

Bibs

15 (half the class)

For team identification in End Ball game

Alternative: Different coloured tops if bibs unavailable

Tablets

For filming peer assessment evidence

Alternative: Smartphone for video recording

Key Vocabulary

Chest pass

A pass thrown from chest level using both hands with fingers spread behind the ball

Bounce pass

A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver

L-cut

A sharp 90-degree change of direction to create space, shaped like the letter L

V-cut

A cutting movement that forms a V-shape to lose a defender

Fake pass

A deceptive movement that looks like a pass but doesn't release the ball

Providing a target

Showing hands clearly to indicate where you want to receive the pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
Experience working cooperatively in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Chest pass and bounce pass execution
Creating space through cutting movements
Peer assessment using technical vocabulary

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure
Team tactics and set plays
Game strategy and decision-making

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing over 3-4 metre distances

Successful space creation in 7 out of 10 attempts

Use of at least 5 technical terms in peer feedback

Key Teaching Points

Hands positioned behind ball for all passes, not on the sides
Step forward with opposite foot when passing for power and accuracy
Eye contact essential before every pass to ensure receiver is ready
Cutting movements must be explosive with sudden direction changes
Use technical basketball vocabulary consistently to develop sport understanding
Peer assessment provides valuable learning when using specific language
Movement off the ball creates scoring opportunities in game situations

Common Misconceptions

Belief that harder passes are always better - teach controlled power instead
Thinking cuts should be gradual - emphasise explosive, sudden direction changes
Assuming peer feedback should be vague and positive - train specific technical language
Expecting immediate success - reinforce that skill development takes practice
Believing basketball skills don't transfer - highlight connections to other sports

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity segments with clear transitions, frequent movement opportunities, specific role assignments

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced complexity in cutting patterns, extra practice time for technique

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for spatial guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, tap shoulder for attention

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified cutting distances, adapted ball size for easier handling

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, peer assessment communication, instruction following and giving

Maths

Calculating pass success rates, measuring distances, angles of cutting movements, timing intervals

Science

Forces in passing, friction in ball handling, body systems during exercise, momentum in cutting movements

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, resilience when making mistakes, leadership through peer coaching

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all students, central position for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand position on ball, quality of cutting movements, use of technical vocabulary

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggle with passing accuracy, provide individual support for cutting technique

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all skills clearly with exaggerated movements, repeat key points multiple times, use students as positive examples

Verbal Cues

•'Hands behind the ball!'
•'Step into your pass!'
•'Make eye contact first!'
•'Explosive cuts!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles with marked boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and cutting movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones are visible and stable
•Verify recording equipment is secured and positioned safely

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during crossover warm-up
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips during cutting movements
•Physical contact during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Strict no-contact rule enforcement in games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during crossing activities
•Monitor cutting practice for control and safety
•Active refereeing during game application

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, call for additional support if needed