Lesson 2 - Passing Techniques
Foundation Skills
•Year 7
•Basketball
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How can we use technical language to help others improve their basketball passing skills?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate correct chest pass and bounce pass techniques with accuracy and control
- Evaluate peer performance using appropriate basketball terminology and constructive feedback
- Apply cutting movements (L cuts and V cuts) to create passing opportunities in game situations
Key Outcomes
- All students will execute basic passing techniques and give simple feedback using basketball vocabulary
- Most students will demonstrate consistent passing fundamentals and provide constructive peer assessment
- Some students will show advanced cutting movements and deliver detailed technical evaluations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 5 footballs, netballs for different hand sizes
Various sizes for different activities - store in corner for quick access
Alternative: Dome cones, flat markers, bibs as markers
Sort into colour groups before lesson starts
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts
For demonstrating cutting movements and key vocabulary
Alternative: Flip chart, tactical board
Key Vocabulary
A pass thrown from chest height using both hands with a pushing motion
A pass that bounces once on the floor before reaching the receiver
A movement pattern where the player moves in an L shape to lose their defender
A movement pattern forming a V shape to create separation from defender
A deceptive movement that looks like a pass but isn't released
When the ball goes out of bounds and play restarts from the sideline
Illegal move where a player dribbles, stops, then dribbles again
Specific basketball vocabulary used to describe skills and techniques accurately
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and dribbling skills from Lesson 1
- Understanding of personal space and spatial awareness
- Basic catching and throwing skills from primary PE
- Simple teamwork and communication skills
Current Skills
- Chest pass technique with step and push action
- Bounce pass execution with correct trajectory
- L cuts and V cuts for creating space
- Peer assessment using technical vocabulary
- Fake passes and eye contact for deception
Next Steps
- Shooting techniques and accuracy
- Defensive positioning and tactics
- More complex cutting movements and screens
- Advanced game strategies and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Master the four-step passing process: Catch, Protect, Step, Push for consistent technique
- Sharp, explosive cutting movements create better passing opportunities than slow, rounded cuts
- Use technical basketball vocabulary when giving feedback to help others improve more effectively
- Eye contact and fake passes are crucial for deceiving defenders and creating passing angles
- Maintain passing technique quality even under pressure during game situations
- Movement off the ball is as important as ball-handling skills for team success
- Peer assessment helps both the observer and performer improve their understanding
Common Misconceptions
- Believing that throwing hard makes passes more accurate - teach controlled pushing action instead
- Thinking that fancy moves are better than simple, effective cuts - emphasise sharp, purposeful movement
- Assuming that only ball carriers need to move - teach constant movement for all players
- Believing that any feedback is good feedback - teach specific, technical language use
- Thinking that bounce passes should hit the ground close to the passer - teach two-thirds distance rule
- Assuming that peer assessment is just about finding mistakes - teach positive, constructive feedback
- Believing that game rules don't matter in practice - consistently enforce safe play standards
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific roles in peer assessment
dyspraxia
- Larger, slower balls initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed, consistent vocabulary use
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, buddy system for demonstrations
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all skills, written key vocabulary cards, hand signals for game situations
physical disability
- Seated passing variations, modified distances, larger/softer balls as needed, alternative cutting movements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, constructive feedback writing, communication skills through peer assessment
Maths
Calculating passing percentages, measuring distances for passing accuracy, understanding angles in cutting movements
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, body systems during exercise, levers in passing technique
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence through peer support, handling constructive criticism positively
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter for optimal visibility, position at corner during demonstrations for all students to see
Observation Focus
Watch for correct passing technique, effective use of cutting movements, quality of peer feedback, and safe play
Intervention Points
["Step in when technique breaks down significantly", "Correct unsafe play immediately", "Support peer assessment with prompting questions", "Provide additional challenges for advanced students"]
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with exaggerated movements for clarity, use students as models when appropriate, break down complex skills into steps
Verbal Cues
- •'Catch, protect, step, push!'
- •'Sharp cuts, not rounded!'
- •'Use your basketball words!'
- •'Heads up, eyes scanning!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum full court or large hall 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles with adequate ceiling height
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for court surface
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all basketballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify bibs are clean and appropriate sizes available
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
- •Collisions during cutting movements and game play
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
- •Finger injuries from poor catching technique
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate space between activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic movements
- •Emphasis on heads up awareness during all activities
- •No physical contact rule strictly enforced during games
- •Proper catching technique taught to prevent finger injuries
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
- •Monitor high-activity areas during game applications
- •Intervene immediately for unsafe play or rule violations
- •Ensure equipment is used appropriately and safely
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed