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Lesson 6 - Basketball Tournament Application

Tactics to Competition

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Year 6

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Basketball

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58 min

Big Question

How can we demonstrate our basketball mastery by successfully competing in a tournament setting?

Learning Objectives

To apply refined basketball skills in competitive tournament matches
To demonstrate tactical understanding through effective attacking and defending strategies
To take responsibility for self-officiating and team management during competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply passing, dribbling, and shooting skills in tournament matches
Students will demonstrate fluid transitions between attacking and defending roles
Students will take responsibility for officiating games and managing team dynamics

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

6-8 balls

One ball per court, extras for warm-up activities

Alternative: Size 5 footballs if basketballs unavailable

Basketball Hoops

2-3 courts

Clearly marked scoring areas if traditional hoops not available

Alternative: Netball posts, large cones or marked wall targets

Coloured Bibs

30 bibs (6 different colours)

5 different colours to distinguish teams clearly

Alternative: Team bands or coloured cones for identification

Scorecards

10 cards

For recording match results and tournament standings

Alternative: Whiteboards and markers

Whistles

3.5 whistles

For student officials to manage matches effectively

Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable

Cones

20 cones

To mark court boundaries and coaching areas

Alternative: Playground markings

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other in organised matches

Round Robin

A tournament format where every team plays against every other team once

Officiating

Acting as referee or umpire to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain advantage over opponents

Sportsmanship

Fair, respectful and ethical behaviour during competitive play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can pass accurately using chest, bounce and overhead passes
Students can dribble with control using both hands
Students can shoot accurately from various positions
Students understand basic attacking and defending principles

Current Skills

Applying all basketball skills in competitive tournament context
Demonstrating tactical awareness under pressure
Taking responsibility for self-officiating and team leadership

Next Steps

Developing more sophisticated tactical understanding
Leading basketball coaching sessions for younger students
Participating in inter-school basketball competitions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent skill application under competitive pressure

Effective tactical decision-making during matches

Mature leadership and officiating capabilities

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success comes from applying skills, tactics, and teamwork together
Excellent sportsmanship is as important as basketball skills
Officials have crucial responsibility for fair and safe games
Tactical understanding separates good teams from great teams
Leadership and communication improve under competitive pressure
Personal improvement and effort matter more than winning
Basketball skills transfer to many other invasion games

Common Misconceptions

Believing winning is the only measure of success - correct by emphasising skill development and effort
Thinking individual brilliance is better than team tactics - show examples of successful team play
Assuming officials should be lenient with friends - reinforce importance of fair and consistent officiating
Believing complex tactics are always better - demonstrate that simple, well-executed plans are often most effective

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular breaks, clear roles and responsibilities, movement opportunities

dyspraxia

Simplified tactical concepts, additional practice time, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure, visual schedule, quiet areas for breaks

visual impairment

Bright coloured balls, verbal commentary of play, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for officials, clear written instructions, demonstration focus

physical disability

Modified court size, adapted equipment, alternative roles in tournament

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, explaining tactics, giving constructive feedback

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, statistics recording, time management calculations

Science

Understanding team dynamics, cause and effect in tactical decisions

PSHE

Leadership development, handling competition pressure, sportsmanship and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing oversight of all tournament courts

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application, tactical understanding, and sportsmanship throughout

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule clarifications, or significant disputes

Demonstration Notes

Highlight excellent examples of play and sportsmanship throughout tournament

Verbal Cues

•'Think tactically!'
•'Work as a team!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship!'
•'Remember your skills!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs checked for proper inflation and condition
•Hoops and posts stable and secure
•Bibs clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during competitive play
•Fatigue affecting coordination
•Ball strikes to head or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament
•Officials monitoring for dangerous play
•Emphasis on controlled, skilful play over physical contact

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for oversight of all courts simultaneously
•Regular circulation to monitor match quality
•Support officials with difficult decisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all matches immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and support