Lesson 1 - Dribbling Fundamentals
Foundation Skills
•Year 7
•Basketball
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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
Pre-distributed around the hall perimeter for quick collection
Alternative: Size 5 footballs or playground balls for younger students
Used to mark zones and boundaries for activities
Alternative: Markers, bibs, or chalk lines
Different colours to identify defenders and teams
Alternative: Bandanas or arm bands
For timing competitive elements and transitions
Alternative: Smartphone timer or wall clock
Key Vocabulary
A balanced stance where a player can choose to pass, dribble, or shoot
Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand while moving
Maintaining possession and command of the ball through various techniques
An illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again
Using your body and non-dribbling arm to protect the ball from opponents
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
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