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Lesson 4 - Attacking Tactics & Strategy

Tactics to Competition

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can we create and apply attacking tactics to outwit our opponents and create successful shooting opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of attacking tactics and apply them in game situations
To combine passing, dribbling and moving to create effective shooting opportunities
To demonstrate effective decision-making when switching between attacking and defending

Key Outcomes

Students will create and apply refined attacking tactics in 5v5 basketball games
Students will demonstrate fluid switching between attacking and defending roles
Students will evaluate and improve their tactical approaches based on game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Distributed around court perimeters for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for modified games

Basketball Hoops

4-6 hoops (height adjustable preferred)

Set up 2-3 courts depending on space available

Alternative: Football goals, large target areas marked on walls

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark court boundaries and tactical zones clearly

Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 sets of 5 different colours)

Each team of 5 wears same colour for identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Whistles

3 whistles

One for teacher, two for student referees

Alternative: Hand signals, verbal commands

Stopwatch

1 stopwatch

For timing game periods and tactical discussions

Alternative: Phone timer, clock watching

Key Vocabulary

Attacking tactics

Planned strategies used by a team to move the ball effectively and create scoring opportunities

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another, requiring quick role changes

Creating space

Moving to areas of the court where you have room to receive passes or take shots

Pick and roll

An attacking tactic where one player sets a screen (pick) then moves toward the basket (roll)

Give and go

Passing to a teammate then immediately moving to receive a return pass in a better position

Rebounding

Gaining possession of the ball after a missed shot attempt

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Fundamental dribbling skills and ball control
Understanding of basic basketball rules and court positions
Experience with simple 3v3 or 4v4 basketball games

Current Skills

Creating and applying attacking tactics in team situations
Combining multiple skills to create shooting opportunities
Decision-making when transitioning between attack and defence
Evaluating and adapting tactical approaches

Next Steps

Advanced defensive tactics and pressing strategies
Complex offensive plays and set pieces
Tournament play with officiating responsibilities
Leadership roles in coaching and team management

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of learned tactics in game situations

Quick adaptation when opponents change their strategy

Clear communication of tactical decisions to teammates

Demonstration of advanced basketball skills under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Attacking tactics require communication and timing - emphasise talking to teammates
Decision-making improves with practice - encourage students to try tactics even if they don't work perfectly
Transition between attack and defence is crucial - practice switching roles quickly
Adaptation beats stubbornness - teach students to change tactics when opponents adjust
Quality execution matters more than complex tactics - focus on doing simple things well
Basketball is a team sport - individual skills serve the team's tactical approach
Pressure reveals true understanding - support students to use tactics during competitive games

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Tactics only matter for advanced players' - Correction: Basic tactics help all students enjoy more success
Misconception: 'Good players don't need to plan' - Correction: Even skilled students benefit from tactical thinking
Misconception: 'If a tactic doesn't work once, abandon it' - Correction: Tactics need practice and refinement
Misconception: 'Tactics are too complicated for Year 6' - Correction: Simple tactics are perfect for building understanding
Misconception: 'Individual skill is more important than tactics' - Correction: Tactics help individual skills become more effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity periods with clear transitions, specific roles to maintain focus, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical patterns initially, extra practice time for coordination, larger equipment when needed

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson phases, quiet zones available during intense activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal instructions for all movements, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all tactics, hand signals for game management, written tactical instructions

physical disability

Modified basketball using seated positions, larger balls for easier handling, adjusted height targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Analysing game statistics, calculating success rates of different tactics, measuring distances for court setup

Science

Understanding biomechanics of basketball movements, forces involved in passing and shooting

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping tactical movements on court diagrams

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when tactics don't work, respect for opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between game areas to observe tactical execution, position to see all groups during practice phases

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, skill execution under pressure, and quality of team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when tactics break down completely, when safety concerns arise, or when teams need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations first, then show at game speed, involve students in demonstrations to check understanding

Verbal Cues

•'Look for the tactical opportunity!'
•'Communicate your tactic clearly!'
•'Great execution - now what's next?'
•'Adapt your approach - what do you see?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court preferred, minimum 20m x 30m for multiple game areas

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip indoor court surface, free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure hoops are securely mounted with no loose parts
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Contact during screening actions
•Fatigue leading to poor decision-making

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and enforced
•Progressive skill building before full-speed games
•Emphasis on controlled contact during screens
•Regular hydration breaks during intensive activities
•Proper warm-up focusing on basketball movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple games simultaneously
•Monitor physical contact levels during screening practice
•Watch for signs of fatigue during extended game play
•Ensure student referees manage games safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury occurs