Lesson 3 - Advanced Dribbling
Foundation Skills
•Year 7
•Basketball
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How can mastering advanced dribbling techniques help you become an unstoppable offensive player?
Learning Objectives
- To execute advanced dribbling techniques including crossover, between legs, and behind back with both hands
- To maintain ball control whilst scanning the court and making tactical decisions
- To apply dribbling skills in game situations to create scoring opportunities
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling with multiple techniques
- Students will show improved court awareness whilst maintaining possession
- Students will successfully create and exploit space in offensive situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Pre-positioned around court perimeter for quick access
Alternative: Size 5 balls for smaller hands, deflated balls for beginners
Set aside for game application activities
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Various sizes for different dribbling courses
Alternative: Spot markers, agility poles
Check height appropriate for Year 7 (8.5-9 feet)
Alternative: Adjustable height hoops, wall targets
Key Vocabulary
A dribbling move where the ball is bounced from one hand to the other in front of the body
The ability to see the court and opponents whilst maintaining focus on ball control
A dribbling technique where the ball passes between the legs from one hand to the other
A dribbling move where the ball is bounced behind the back to change hands
Using the non-dribbling hand and body position to shield the ball from defenders
Varying the speed of dribbling to unbalance defenders
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling with stationary dribbling
- Simple straight-line dribbling whilst moving
- Understanding of BEEF shooting technique
Current Skills
- Advanced dribbling techniques with both hands
- Court awareness whilst maintaining ball control
- Offensive decision-making under pressure
Next Steps
- Combination moves linking multiple dribbling techniques
- Reading team defensive strategies
- Advanced offensive patterns and plays
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ball control is more important than speed - master control first, then add pace
- Eyes up while dribbling develops court awareness and game intelligence
- Each dribbling move has specific situations where it's most effective
- Protecting the ball with body position and off-hand is crucial under pressure
- Smooth, flowing movements are more effective than jerky, rushed actions
- Practice with both hands creates unpredictable and versatile players
- Mental resilience when learning difficult skills builds character and ability
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: Faster dribbling is always better. Reality: Controlled dribbling with good decisions beats speed without control
- Misconception: Advanced moves should be attempted at full speed immediately. Reality: Slow, perfect practice builds muscle memory for game speed execution
- Misconception: You only need to dribble with your dominant hand. Reality: Both-handed players are much harder to defend against
- Misconception: Dribbling moves are just for showing off. Reality: Each technique serves specific tactical purposes in game situations
- Misconception: Looking at the ball while dribbling is acceptable. Reality: Court awareness while maintaining ball control is essential for game success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments with more frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks integrated naturally
dyspraxia
- Larger, easier-to-grip basketballs, reduced complexity initially, extra practice time, breaking skills into smaller components, patient progression
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available for breaks, consistent terminology and expectations, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured basketballs, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, establish buddy system for guidance, use tactile markers for cone positions
hearing impairment
- Rely on visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, use hand signals for common instructions, provide written technique cards, position for lip reading
physical disability
- Seated dribbling variations, modified ball sizes, adapted court areas with shorter distances, alternative scoring methods and participation roles
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances for dribbling courses, understanding angles of movement and geometry of triangle formations
Science
Physics of ball bouncing and forces involved in direction changes, cardiovascular responses to exercise intensity, biomechanics of movement efficiency
Geography
Spatial awareness and navigation skills, understanding of court dimensions and positional play, directional language and orientation
PSHE
Perseverance when learning difficult skills, teamwork in offensive situations, goal-setting for personal improvement, supporting others' learning
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sightlines to all activity areas, move between groups during practice sessions
Observation Focus
Monitor ball control technique, court awareness, safety behaviours, and skill progression throughout lesson
Intervention Points
Step in when students losing control of ball repeatedly, showing signs of frustration, or engaging in unsafe play
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show common mistakes alongside correct technique, demonstrate at both slow and game speed for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Ball stays low during crossover!'
- •'Eyes up, scan the court!'
- •'Step through on that between legs move!'
- •'Protect the ball with your off-hand!'
- •'Smooth movement on behind back!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full basketball court or equivalent space minimum 25m x 15m with adequate run-off areas
Surface Check
Dry, clean court surface free from obstacles, water spillages or loose equipment
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify basket heights are appropriate and securely mounted
- •Check bibs are clean and in good repair
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during fast dribbling movements
- •Slips and falls on court surface
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Overexertion during high-intensity activities
- •Ankle injuries from sudden direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing requirements maintained throughout all activities
- •Progressive skill building from slow to game speed
- •Emphasis on control over speed in all practice drills
- •Regular breaks to prevent fatigue affecting safety
- •Clear boundaries and movement patterns established
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Active monitoring of skill practice areas for technique and safety
- •Close supervision during competitive game situations
- •Watch for signs of overexertion or loss of control
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required