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Lesson 5 - Driving & Crossover Dribble

Tactical Mastery & Techniques

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can mastering the crossover dribble give us an advantage when driving to score?

Learning Objectives

Develop confidence to drive to the basket using strength and coordination
Apply crossover dribble technique effectively when driving to the basket
Understand tactical advantages of driving close to the basket for scoring

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate confident driving to the basket with proper form
Students will execute crossover dribbles to evade defenders and create scoring opportunities
Students will explain how driving skills create advantageous scoring positions

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Check inflation levels, place around court perimeter

Alternative: Rubber playground balls for outdoor courts

Cones

25 (various colours)

Use for marking driving lanes and gates

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Stopwatch

3 (one per group)

For Illinois agility test timing

Alternative: Smartphone timer apps

Score Sheets

1 per group (3)

For tracking agility test improvements

Alternative: Whiteboard for collective recording

Basketball Hoops

3 depending on facility

Ensure safe spacing between courts

Alternative: Netball posts or target circles on wall

Key Vocabulary

Driving to the basket

The action of dribbling aggressively towards the basket to get as close as possible for a high-percentage shot

Crossover dribble

A ball-handling move where the player dribbles the ball from one hand to the other in front of their body to change direction

Athletic position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move in any direction

Fake

A deceptive movement designed to mislead the defender about your intended direction

Drive

Explosive movement towards the basket with the ball, using speed and strength

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic dribbling with dominant hand from Years 4-5
Crossover dribble introduction from Year 4
Understanding of basketball court dimensions and scoring

Current Skills

Coordinated driving to the basket with strength
Tactical application of crossover dribble
Decision-making when approaching the basket

Next Steps

Advanced offensive moves (spin moves, step-backs)
Team-based driving strategies and support play
Defensive positioning against driving players

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control whilst driving at speed

Effective use of body positioning to protect ball

Recognition of when to drive versus pass

Key Teaching Points

Crossover dribble requires convincing fake followed by explosive change of direction
Driving to the basket should be low, strong and purposeful to create scoring advantages
Reading defender positioning is crucial for choosing when to use crossover moves
Confidence building through progressive challenge and celebrating effort over outcome
Ball control must be maintained throughout all movement patterns and direction changes
Tactical understanding connects individual skills to team basketball success
Resilience and positive attitude essential when learning complex coordination skills

Common Misconceptions

Crossover dribbles work every time regardless of defender position
Driving faster always equals better driving - control and timing are more important
Only successful attempts count as learning - mistakes provide valuable feedback
Basketball skills can't improve without natural athletic ability
Competitive games are only about winning rather than skill application and development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities in team activities

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for skill coordination, larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet zones available, advance warning of game rule changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile guidance for crossover technique

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication, use vibrant visual cues for game rules

physical disability

Modified crossover using wheelchair or seated position, adapted driving distances, alternative scoring methods, peer support for equipment management

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with basketball terminology, descriptive language for movement analysis, clear communication during peer coaching

Maths

Measuring and comparing Illinois test times, calculating improvement percentages, angles of movement during crossover dribbles

Science

Understanding forces during direction changes, momentum and acceleration in driving movements, body systems response to exercise

PSHE

Resilience when learning new skills, supporting teammates, handling competitive pressure with good sportsmanship

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between groups during practice, central court position during games for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct crossover technique, confident driving attempts, and positive teammate interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when defensive pressure becomes too aggressive or when students appear frustrated with skill attempts

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing crossover technique. Demonstrate both successful and improved attempts to show progression.

Verbal Cues

•'Sell that fake - make them believe it!'
•'Drive low and strong to the basket!'
•'Brilliant effort - that's how we learn!'
•'Read the defender before you choose your move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court or equivalent 28m x 15m indoor space with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from debris. Check for wet patches from water bottles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketball inflation levels checked - not over-inflated
•Cones inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Stopwatches functioning properly with secure straps

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during agility test and driving activities
•Falls from quick direction changes and crossover movements
•Ball impacts from fast dribbling or poor catches
•Overexertion during competitive 3v3 games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between agility test courses and game areas
•Progressive skill building from stationary to full-speed movements
•Passive defensive pressure only during skill development
•Regular hydration breaks and fatigue monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all agility courses simultaneously
•Move between skill practice groups to provide feedback
•Central location during games to monitor all teams

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed