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Lesson 4 - V-Cut Game Application

Tactical Mastery & Techniques

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we use deception and timing to create space and scoring opportunities in basketball?

Learning Objectives

Use the V-cut technique effectively to create space from a defender
Combine agility and speed to perform V-cut movements in game situations
Apply V-cut skills strategically in competitive basketball scenarios

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct V-cut footwork and body positioning
Students will successfully create space using V-cut in small-sided games
Students will understand tactical applications of V-cut in basketball

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls

Cones

25 (various colours)

Used to mark V-cut paths and court boundaries

Alternative: Chalk marks on court surface

Basketball Hoops

3 (adjustable height preferred)

Lowered to appropriate height for Year 6 students

Alternative: Target areas marked on walls

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

Used to distinguish teams and roles during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identification

Key Vocabulary

V-cut

An offensive movement that creates space by moving toward the defender then quickly changing direction to receive a pass

Pivot foot

The foot that remains planted when changing direction, allowing legal movement without travelling

Draw away

Moving the defender away from where you want to receive the ball

Square on

Positioning your body to face the ball handler directly for optimal pass reception

Court awareness

Understanding where teammates, opponents, and space are located on the court

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling and passing skills
Understanding of offensive and defensive roles
Experience with small-sided basketball games

Current Skills

V-cut technique and footwork
Creating space from defenders
Tactical awareness in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced cutting movements (L-cut, backdoor cut)
Pick and roll techniques
Complex offensive team strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent foot placement during V-cut execution

Successful space creation leading to pass reception

Strategic use of V-cut in game scenarios

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise the deception element - selling the fake movement convincingly
Focus on correct foot placement - plant foot between defender's feet
Stress the importance of keeping eyes on ball throughout movement
Highlight explosive change of direction after fake
Connect individual skill to team tactical understanding
Encourage communication and teamwork during games
Maintain focus on technique even under competitive pressure

Common Misconceptions

Thinking V-cut is just about running fast - it's about deception and timing
Believing the fake movement doesn't need to be convincing - defender must believe it
Assuming V-cut only works from one court position - it's adaptable to different areas
Thinking defence is just about staying close - good defence requires anticipation and communication

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Break down V-cut into smaller steps, use larger equipment, provide extra practice time and patience

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for rotations, offer quiet space if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured cones for court marking, provide verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt movements to wheelchair or limited mobility, modify V-cut to suitable movements, use appropriate ball size

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles in V-cut movement (acute vs obtuse), counting possessions and scores, timing of movements

Science

Forces in push-off movement, momentum and direction change, centre of gravity during pivoting

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, direction and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter to observe all groups, position near active play during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct V-cut technique, appropriate defensive pressure, and safe playing behaviour

Intervention Points

Step in when defensive contact becomes excessive, when students struggle with technique, or when safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, repeat demonstrations as needed, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Sell that first movement!'
•'Plant foot between defender's feet!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Push off explosively!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half basketball court minimum (15m x 14m), full court preferred for multiple groups

Surface Check

Clean, dry court surface free from debris and wet patches

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Hoops securely fastened and at appropriate height
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced movements
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Overexertion in competitive activities
•Contact during defensive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate space between groups
•Progressive skill building from slow to full speed
•Emphasis on controlled defensive contact only
•Regular water breaks and fatigue monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all playing areas
•Monitor defensive intensity to prevent excessive contact
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, seek medical attention if required