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Lesson 3 - Free Throw Agility

Tactical Mastery & Techniques

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can mastering the fundamentals of free throws and agility give you the edge in basketball?

Learning Objectives

To develop and demonstrate accurate free throw shooting technique with consistency
To apply agility skills effectively in game situations and practice activities
To understand when free throws are awarded and make strategic decisions about shooting distance

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently demonstrate proper free throw form and achieve 60%+ accuracy from their chosen distance
Students will display quick direction changes and controlled movement during agility activities
Students will explain free throw rules and select appropriate shooting distances based on their skill level

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

15-20 (1 per 2 students for main activities)

Distribute around court perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Size 5 balls for students who need lighter option

Basketball Hoops

4-6 courts/hoops

Ensure all hoops are at appropriate height (adjustable if possible)

Alternative: Netball posts, wall targets, or cones for aiming

Cones

30-40 various colours

Use for agility circuits and marking free throw positions

Alternative: Throw-down spots or chalk marks

Bibs

15 (2 colours)

For 4v4 game differentiation

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identification

Stopwatch

For timing agility activities

Alternative: Smartphone timer or wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Free throw

An uncontested shot taken from the free throw line after a foul

Follow-through

The continuation of shooting motion after ball release, with wrist snap downward

Agility

The ability to change direction quickly and efficiently while maintaining control

Personal foul

Illegal contact with an opponent that results in a free throw opportunity

Jump ball

Method of starting play where two players jump for a ball thrown by the referee

Arc

The curved flight path of the basketball toward the hoop

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling and ball handling skills
Understanding of shooting mechanics and aiming
Experience with simple agility movements and directional changes

Current Skills

Correct free throw shooting stance and technique
Agility movements combined with basketball skills
Strategic decision-making about shooting distance and game situations

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques under pressure
Complex agility patterns in competitive game play
Understanding advanced basketball rules and officiating

Milestone Indicators

Consistent follow-through and arc on free throw shots

Smooth transitions between agility movements

Quick decision-making about when to attempt free throws

Key Teaching Points

Free throw technique must be consistent - same routine every time
Self-selected shooting distance builds confidence and realistic goal-setting
Agility skills from warm-up directly transfer to game situations
Positive encouragement improves shooting performance under pressure
Rules knowledge enhances game understanding and fair play
Practice quality over quantity - focus on perfect technique
Mental focus is as important as physical technique in free throws

Common Misconceptions

Free throws are easy because no one is defending - they require mental focus and consistent technique
Power comes from arms - legs provide the shooting power through upward extension
Looking at the ball helps accuracy - eyes should focus on the target (hoop)
Guide hand helps push the ball - it only stabilises, shooting hand does all the work
Distance doesn't matter - appropriate distance builds confidence and success patterns
Free throws in games are the same as practice - pressure situations require extra mental preparation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, specific roles and responsibilities, frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger targets initially, step-by-step breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured basketballs, verbal descriptions of hoop position, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, written instruction cards, hand signal communication

physical disability

Seated shooting positions, modified equipment height, alternative target games

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, explaining rules and procedures to others

Maths

Calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances from hoop, understanding angles and trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, arc and gravity effects, biomechanics of shooting motion

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of boundaries and court dimensions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience in face of missed shots, leadership through coaching others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile throughout lesson, positioning at different courts to observe all groups

Observation Focus

Technical execution of free throw form, application of rules knowledge, positive interactions

Intervention Points

When technique breaks down, rules confusion occurs, or negative behaviour affects learning

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, provide both right and left-handed examples

Verbal Cues

•'Feet position first, then shoulders!'
•'Smooth motion, follow through!'
•'Choose your distance wisely!'
•'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half basketball court minimum per 12 students, full court preferred for multiple groups

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip court surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure hoops are securely attached and at safe height
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during agility activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Ball strikes from missed shots or rebounds
•Overexertion during intensive practice

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
•Adequate spacing between practice groups
•Progressive warm-up before intensive activities
•Clear communication of safety rules and expectations

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor agility activities for controlled movement
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe participation

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek medical support if needed