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Lesson 1 - Possession & Shooting Skills

Tactics to Competition

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Year 6

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Basketball

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50 min

Big Question

How can we use passing, dribbling and movement to maintain possession and create the perfect shooting opportunity?

Learning Objectives

Consolidate passing, dribbling and moving skills to maintain possession
Apply tactical understanding to create shooting opportunities
Demonstrate effective decision-making in basketball game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will maintain possession for sustained periods using refined passing and dribbling
Students will create and execute successful attacks leading to scoring opportunities
Students will demonstrate improved tactical awareness and decision-making in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 2 students (15 balls for 30 students)

Place around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs if basketballs unavailable

Cones

16 cones

Mark out endzones and court boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Coloured Bibs

2 sets of 10 (different colours)

Separate teams clearly for officiating

Alternative: Team bands or coloured t-shirts

Whistles

4 whistles

One whistle per court for student referees

Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Maintaining control of the ball within your team

Endzone

The scoring area where teammates can receive the ball to score points

Double dribble

Illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again

Travelling

Moving more than two steps while holding the ball without dribbling

Tactical awareness

Understanding when, where and why to make specific decisions during play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching from Year 5
Simple dribbling techniques
Understanding of attack vs defence principles
Basic basketball rules knowledge

Current Skills

Refined passing under pressure
Strategic dribbling for possession
Creating and using space effectively
Tactical decision-making in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced offensive strategies
Complex defensive formations
Shooting accuracy development
Game management and leadership

Milestone Indicators

Sustained possession for 6+ passes

Successful endzone scoring in game situations

Accurate officiating with rule application

Effective tactical communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Keep head up when dribbling to see teammates and space
Pass when teammate is in better position than you
Move immediately after passing to create new options
Time your runs into the endzone for best scoring chances
Use whole court space to spread defenders
Apply rules consistently and fairly as referee
Communicate with teammates throughout possession

Common Misconceptions

Thinking dribbling is always better than passing - correct by showing when passing creates better opportunities
Believing you must stay in endzone to score - explain movement in and out creates better chances
Assuming faster play is always better - demonstrate how patience in possession leads to better opportunities
Thinking only skilled players can be good referees - show how rule knowledge is more important than playing ability
Believing possession means holding the ball as long as possible - teach that quick, accurate passing maintains possession better

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, simplified court layouts, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for start/stop, written rule cards, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Wheelchair accessible court setup, modified rules for seated play, adapted equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring court dimensions, calculating game scores and time

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, friction with different surfaces, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, leadership and communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts to observe all games, move between groups during skill development

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, skill application under pressure, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule clarification, or when competitive intensity becomes inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in showing good examples

Verbal Cues

•'Head up when dribbling!'
•'Look for the pass!'
•'Move after you pass!'
•'Create space in the endzone!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor sports hall minimum 20m x 15m, or outdoor court with similar dimensions

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for ball movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify whistle cords are safe length to prevent entanglement

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during games
•Tripping over court boundaries or equipment
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and adequate spacing between courts
•Emphasise controlled movement and awareness of others
•Progressive skill building before competitive games
•Regular water breaks and monitoring of exertion levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
•Check referee safety and proper rule application
•Immediate response protocol for any injuries

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on whistle signal, assess any injuries with first aid training, clear evacuation routes maintained