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Lesson 1 - Dribbling Fundamentals

Foundation Skills

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Year 7

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Basketball

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Big Question

How can mastering the triple threat position unlock all basketball possibilities?

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate confident ball movement using various dribbling techniques
Execute the triple threat position with correct body positioning and balance
Apply ball control skills under pressure in competitive situations

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to dribble with control while maintaining awareness of surroundings
Students will understand and demonstrate the triple threat position as the foundation of basketball movement
Students will show improved agility, balance, coordination and precision through ball handling activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around the hall perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls for younger students

Cones

22 cones

Used to mark zones and boundaries for activities

Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

6-8 bibs

Different colours to identify defenders and teams

Alternative: Bandanas or arm bands

Stopwatch

For timing competitive elements and transitions

Alternative: Smartphone timer or wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Triple threat position

A balanced stance where a player can choose to pass, dribble, or shoot

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand while moving

Ball control

Maintaining possession and command of the ball through various techniques

Double dribble

An illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again

Shielding

Using your body and non-dribbling arm to protect the ball from opponents

Crossover

A dribbling move where the ball is switched from one hand to the other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of ball games and catching
Experience with simple ball control activities
Understanding of personal space and movement

Current Skills

Triple threat position and its importance
Controlled dribbling with both hands
Ball familiarisation through handling drills
Applying skills under competitive pressure

Next Steps

Advanced dribbling moves and crossovers
Combining dribbling with passing decisions
Shooting from triple threat position
Reading defensive pressure and reacting appropriately

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control while moving at speed

Can switch hands effectively when dribbling

Shows awareness of space and other players

Demonstrates confidence in ball handling under pressure

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position is the foundation of all basketball movements
Use fingertips not palms for better ball control when dribbling
Keep head up to maintain awareness of space and other players
Control is always more important than speed when learning skills
Use body positioning to protect the ball from opponents
Double dribble rule prevents unfair advantages in games
Practice with both hands develops ambidextrous ball handling

Common Misconceptions

Players think dribbling faster is always better - emphasise control first
Many students look down at ball constantly - teach peripheral vision use
Some believe only dominant hand matters - stress both-hand development
Students may think basketball is only about individual skills - highlight teamwork
Students often grip ball in palm - correct to fingertip control
Some think triple threat is just a stance - explain its tactical importance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, offer regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complex movements, allow extra practice time for skills

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and visual schedules, offer quiet zones for breaks, use consistent verbal cues

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with sound elements, provide clear verbal descriptions, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Rely on visual demonstrations, use hand signals for instructions, provide written rule cards

physical disability

Offer seated dribbling versions, use larger/softer balls, adapt distances and spaces as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, communication during team activities, vocabulary development with technical terms

Science

Forces and motion in ball bouncing, friction between ball and surface, body systems during exercise, physics of ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping movement patterns, directions and orientations on court

Mathematics

Counting passes accurately, measuring bounce heights, angles of ball movement, geometry of court positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, resilience when facing challenges, building confidence

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities for optimal viewing, join circles for demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, safe play, inclusion of all students, and progression in skills

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, students are excluded, or confusion about rules occurs

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements, provide multiple angles, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips, not palms!'
•'Head up, see the space!'
•'Triple threat ready!'
•'Control first, speed second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or outdoor court area minimum 20m x 30m

Surface Check

Dry, even surface clear of obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check basketballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Collisions between students during competitive activities
•Overexertion during intense activities

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
•Emphasise controlled movement over speed
•Teach proper ball handling to minimise wayward balls
•Progressive skill building to develop confidence

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity competitive elements closely
•Be aware of students with coordination difficulties

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support as needed