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Lesson 3 - Advanced Dribbling

Foundation Skills

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Year 7

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Basketball

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Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around court perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 5 balls for smaller hands, deflated balls for beginners

Team bibs

15 in contrasting colours

Set aside for game application activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Cones

20-30 assorted colours

Various sizes for different dribbling courses

Alternative: Spot markers, agility poles

Basketball Hoops

4-6 around the court

Check height appropriate for Year 7 (8.5-9 feet)

Alternative: Adjustable height hoops, wall targets

Key Vocabulary

Crossover

A dribbling move where the ball is bounced from one hand to the other in front of the body

Split Vision

The ability to see the court and opponents whilst maintaining focus on ball control

Between Legs

A dribbling technique where the ball passes between the legs from one hand to the other

Behind Back

A dribbling move where the ball is bounced behind the back to change hands

Ball Protection

Using the non-dribbling hand and body position to shield the ball from defenders

Change of Pace

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

Consistent ball control at speed

Eyes up scanning whilst dribbling

Successful completion of crossover moves

Effective use of dribbles to beat defenders

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