Lesson 4 - Attacking Tactics & Strategy
Tactics to Competition
•Year 6
•Basketball
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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
Distributed around court perimeters for easy access
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for modified games
Set up 2-3 courts depending on space available
Alternative: Football goals, large target areas marked on walls
Mark court boundaries and tactical zones clearly
Alternative: Markers, bibs as boundary markers
Each team of 5 wears same colour for identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
One for teacher, two for student referees
Alternative: Hand signals, verbal commands
For timing game periods and tactical discussions
Alternative: Phone timer, clock watching
Key Vocabulary
Planned strategies used by a team to move the ball effectively and create scoring opportunities
The moment when possession changes from one team to another, requiring quick role changes
Moving to areas of the court where you have room to receive passes or take shots
An attacking tactic where one player sets a screen (pick) then moves toward the basket (roll)
Passing to a teammate then immediately moving to receive a return pass in a better position
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
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