🏀

Lesson 1 - Fast Break Techniques

Tactical Mastery & Techniques

•

Year 6

•

Basketball

•

Big Question

How can we use speed, communication and positioning to turn defence into attack in basketball?

Learning Objectives

Understand the concept of counterattack using the fast break technique
Develop effective team communication during fast break situations
Apply fast break skills to score in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to execute a 3v0 fast break with accurate passing
Students will demonstrate understanding of when and how to use fast breaks
Students will show improved decision-making in counterattack situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per group of 3 (10 total)

Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 5 footballs for younger students or those struggling with basketball size

Coloured Cones

30 (for warm-up activity)

Different colours for easy identification of catchers

Alternative: Tag rugby tags, ribbons, or strips of fabric

Dish Cones

12-15

Use to mark three channels and court boundaries

Alternative: Chalk lines or court markings

Basketball Hoops

2-4 depending on court setup

Ensure targets are at appropriate height for Year 6 students

Alternative: Large buckets, hula hoops held by students, or wall targets

Whistles

For activity transitions and game management

Alternative: Hand signals or verbal commands

Key Vocabulary

Fast Break

A quick offensive strategy to move the ball up court rapidly to score before the defence can set up

Counterattack

Quickly switching from defence to attack to catch opponents off guard

Channels

Three designated pathways down the court (left wing, centre, right wing) used to organise attacking movement

Rebound

Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot

Interception

Gaining possession by catching or deflecting an opponent's pass

Lay-up

A close-range shot taken while moving towards the basket, often the finishing move of a fast break

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball passing skills (chest pass, bounce pass)
Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
Basic knowledge of basketball court positions
Experience with small-sided basketball games

Current Skills

Fast break execution in 3v0 situations
Channel-based attacking systems
Quick decision-making under pressure
Team communication during transitions

Next Steps

Fast break against active defence (3v1, 3v2)
Advanced shooting techniques (lay-ups)
Full court basketball games with tactical awareness
Defensive strategies to counter fast breaks

Milestone Indicators

Students can execute 3 consecutive passes in a fast break without dropping the ball

Teams can complete a fast break from baseline to basket in under 8 seconds

Students demonstrate understanding by explaining fast break benefits to a partner

Key Teaching Points

Fast breaks require speed, accuracy and teamwork - emphasise all three elements equally
The transition from defence to attack must be immediate - teach students to 'switch on' mentally
Channel positioning creates space and prevents crowding - maintain discipline in positioning
Communication is essential - teach students to call for passes and direct teammates
Decision-making at the end of fast breaks determines success - shoot if close, pass if not
Link warm-up activities to lesson skills - evasion in catch the tail transfers to basketball movement
Celebrate both successful outcomes and good processes - effort and teamwork matter as much as scoring

Common Misconceptions

Fast breaks are only about speed - correct to emphasise accuracy and teamwork equally
Any quick attack is a fast break - clarify that it's specifically about the 3-channel system and specific scenarios
Dribbling is necessary for fast breaks - teach that passing is faster and more effective
Only the best athletes can do fast breaks - show that everyone can contribute through positioning and passing
Fast breaks always end in scoring - explain that good defence can stop them and that's part of basketball
Channel restrictions apply when defending - clarify that channels are only for attacking teams

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear visual and verbal cues, assign specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier catching, allow extra practice time, break down complex movements into smaller steps, provide additional demonstrations

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, establish consistent routines for equipment collection, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, use social stories for teamwork concepts

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted peer buddies, use audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapt to wheelchair use with modified passing heights, allow seated participation in discussions, use modified balls (lighter/larger), adjust court dimensions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes in sequences, estimating timing (8-second fast breaks), calculating team scores and bonus points, measuring court distances and angles of movement

Science

Understanding forces in passing (push and pull), friction between shoes and court surface, heart rate changes during activity and recovery

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and court orientation, mapping movement patterns across playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions during competition, leadership and responsibility

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at court corners for optimal view of all students during activities, move centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate passing technique, effective communication, safe spacing, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic passing, if safety rules being ignored, or if game becomes too competitive

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements during demonstrations, involve confident students as helpers, repeat key demonstrations multiple times, connect to students' existing knowledge

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Find your channel!'
•'Quick ball, quick ball!'
•'Look up before you pass!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum full basketball court or 30m x 20m marked area with clear run-off zones

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from water, debris, or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify basketball hoops are securely fixed
•Check coloured bands/bibs are free from sharp or damaged edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during fast-paced activities
•Falls due to sudden direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overcrowding in playing areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Adequate spacing between groups during practice
•Progressive skill building from walking to jogging to full pace
•Clear rules about physical contact and safe ball handling
•Regular hydration breaks during intensive activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure students follow established safety rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, immediate assessment of any injuries, appropriate first aid response, clear communication with school office if required