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Lesson 2 - Possession Skills & Referee

Tactics to Competition

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Year 6

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Basketball

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Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per 3-4 students (8-10 total)

Placed in central equipment area, properly inflated

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for younger students

Basketball Hoops

2-4 depending on court availability

Positioned at opposite ends of playing areas

Alternative: Football goals, netball posts, or marked target areas on walls

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark endzones, court boundaries, and waiting areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, or tape for indoor courts

Whistles

1 per court (3-4 total)

Given to officiating students before games start

Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable

Bibs

15 each colour

Organised by colour for quick team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts

Stopwatch

1 per court for game timing

Used by referees to time games and possessions

Alternative: Phone timers, countdown apps

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Having control of the ball and working as a team to keep it

Double dribble

Dribbling the ball, stopping, then dribbling again (against the rules)

Travelling

Moving with the ball without dribbling (against the rules)

Endzone

Designated scoring area where attackers aim to receive the ball

Officiating

Controlling the game by applying rules fairly and consistently

Fluidity

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

Sustained possession for 6+ passes without losing control

Successful shooting opportunities created from team play

Confident and accurate officiating decisions

Fluid movement between attacking and defending roles

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