Lesson 2 - Possession Skills & Referee
Tactics to Competition
•Year 6
•Basketball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we combine possessional skills with fair officiating to create competitive and engaging basketball games?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate students' understanding of basketball rules and apply knowledge to mini games
- To use prior learning of passing, dribbling and moving to create successful attacks
- To develop officiating skills and understand the importance of fair play
Key Outcomes
- Students can apply refined passing, dribbling and moving skills to score against opposition
- Students can officiate games effectively and demonstrate secure knowledge of rules
- Students can create fluid attacks that result in successful shooting opportunities
Equipment & Resources Required
Placed in central equipment area, properly inflated
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for younger students
Positioned at opposite ends of playing areas
Alternative: Football goals, netball posts, or marked target areas on walls
Mark endzones, court boundaries, and waiting areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or tape for indoor courts
Given to officiating students before games start
Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable
Organised by colour for quick team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts
Used by referees to time games and possessions
Alternative: Phone timers, countdown apps
Key Vocabulary
Having control of the ball and working as a team to keep it
Dribbling the ball, stopping, then dribbling again (against the rules)
Moving with the ball without dribbling (against the rules)
Designated scoring area where attackers aim to receive the ball
Controlling the game by applying rules fairly and consistently
Smooth, continuous movement and passing that flows naturally
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 with control
- Understanding of basic invasion game principles
- Experience of moving into space to receive passes
Current Skills
- Consolidating possessional skills under pressure
- Developing officiating and rule application
- Creating fluid attacking movements
- Making effective decisions in game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical awareness and game strategy
- Implementing set plays and structured attacks
- Developing defensive systems and positioning
- Leadership skills in team management
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Possession is maintained through controlled passing and smart movement, not individual skill alone
- Good officiating requires confidence, consistency, and fairness - support students in developing these qualities
- Creating shooting opportunities comes from team play and communication, not forced individual attempts
- Rules exist to make games fair and enjoyable for everyone - emphasise positive aspects of officiating
- Fluid attacking play develops through practice and teamwork, encourage persistence with combinations
- Every student can contribute both as player and referee - build confidence in both roles
- Basketball success comes from thinking as well as physical skill - develop decision-making abilities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking the best players don't need to pass - emphasise team success over individual brilliance
- Believing referees are there to catch mistakes - show how officials help games flow smoothly
- Assuming shooting is the most important skill - demonstrate how possession and passing create better opportunities
- Thinking rules limit fun - explain how rules enable fair and enjoyable competition for everyone
- Believing only tall students can succeed at basketball - show how different skills suit different players
- Assuming officiating is easy - help students understand the concentration and knowledge required
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter game segments with regular breaks, clear role definitions, immediate positive feedback, structured movement between activities
dyspraxia
- Larger, easier-to-handle equipment, slower-paced games initially, extra practice time for skill combinations, simplified rule sets to start
autism spectrum
- Clear structured routines for game changes, visual schedules for lesson progression, quiet zones available for breaks, predictable officiating patterns
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and larger targets, clear verbal instructions for court layout, buddy system with sighted partner for positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for officiating, written rule cards for reference, clear visual demonstrations of all techniques
physical disability
- Seated basketball version, modified court sizes, adapted equipment such as lighter balls, wheelchair-accessible playing areas
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills for game management, vocabulary development through basketball terminology, listening skills during rule explanations
Maths
Scorekeeping, time management, spatial awareness of court dimensions and angles for passing
Science
Understanding of forces in ball flight, reaction times for officiating decisions, heart rate monitoring during activity
PSHE
Leadership through officiating, respect for authority, managing emotions during competitive situations, conflict resolution
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe games and support referees, central position for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for rule application, skill development, and safety during competitive play
Intervention Points
Step in for dangerous play, support struggling referees, clarify rule confusion
Demonstration Notes
Show clear examples of rule violations, model confident officiating signals, emphasise teamwork over individual play
Verbal Cues
- •'Keep possession, look for the pass!'
- •'Referees, be confident in your decisions!'
- •'Create space before shooting!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts, or full basketball court for single game
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from obstacles, appropriate court markings visible
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Hoops securely mounted and at appropriate height
- •Cones placed safely to avoid trip hazards
- •Whistles clean and in working order
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during fast-paced games
- •Contact around basketball hoops
- •Slips from quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes from poor passing or shooting
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries and safe zones established
- •Referees trained to stop dangerous play immediately
- •Adequate spacing between courts maintained
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all courts simultaneously
- •Support referees in managing player safety
- •Monitor fatigue levels affecting decision-making
- •Ensure quick response to any injuries
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required