Lesson 5 - Triple Threat Skills
Foundation Skills
•Year 7
•Basketball
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How can mastering triple threat position and screen & roll techniques give your team a tactical advantage in basketball?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply triple threat position effectively in game situations
- To execute proper screen and roll techniques to create scoring opportunities
- To integrate previously learned skills in competitive game scenarios
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate confident use of triple threat position to deceive defenders
- Students will execute coordinated screen and roll plays with teammates
- Students will apply tactical awareness in 2v1 game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 6 basketballs for smaller hands, foam balls for beginners
Organised by colour for quick team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies
Used to mark court boundaries and practice areas
Alternative: Spots or markers
Standard height or adjusted to 8-9 feet for Year 7
Alternative: Adjustable height hoops or target zones
Key Vocabulary
A balanced basketball position where a player can shoot, pass, or dribble with equal effectiveness
A legal blocking move where a player uses their body to impede a defender's movement
The movement a screener makes towards the basket after setting a screen
A quick, aggressive step with the non-pivot foot to test the defender's reaction
A deceptive movement that mimics passing to one direction before going another
A movement that simulates shooting to make the defender react prematurely
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dribbling and ball handling skills
- Fundamental shooting technique and lay-ups
- Understanding of basketball court positions
Current Skills
- Triple threat stance and applications
- Screen setting and rolling techniques
- Tactical decision making in small-sided games
Next Steps
- Advanced pick and roll variations
- Full court transition plays
- Complex team defensive strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Triple threat position must be established immediately upon receiving the ball
- Screens require complete stillness and wide stable base for effectiveness and safety
- Communication between teammates is essential for successful screen and roll execution
- Decision making in triple threat should be based on reading the defender's position
- Rolling movement must wait for contact and be directed towards scoring position
- All techniques must be practiced at game speed to be effective in competition
- Teamwork and individual skills must be balanced for optimal performance
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they can move while setting screens - emphasise complete stillness
- Belief that triple threat is only for advanced players - show how it helps everyone
- Assumption that screen and roll always leads to passes - explain multiple options
- Misconception that bigger students make better screeners - technique beats size
- Thinking that fakes must be large movements - show subtle effectiveness
- Belief that defence should be passive in practice - explain appropriate pressure levels
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, regular movement breaks, clear visual boundaries, immediate feedback, leadership roles to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Larger basketballs for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, clear step-by-step breakdowns, positive reinforcement
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet reflection spaces available, advance warning of transitions, structured group formations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured basketballs, verbal descriptions of court positioning, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated screening positions, modified ball sizes, adapted court areas, wheelchair accessible routes, peer support partnerships
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating angles for optimal screen placement, measuring distances for spacing, analysing statistics from game performance
Science
Understanding forces and motion in screening, biomechanics of triple threat position, physics of ball trajectory
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning on court, understanding of territories and boundaries
PSHE
Leadership development, communication skills, resilience under pressure, teamwork and cooperation
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly between groups, spending time at each practice area to provide feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for proper triple threat stance, screen stability, communication between players, and safe contact levels
Intervention Points
Step in when technique breaks down, safety is compromised, or students need motivational support
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show techniques clearly, involve students in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Strong triple threat position!'
- •'Hold that screen - be a wall!'
- •'Roll hard to the basket!'
- •'Great communication!'
- •'Read the defender first!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full basketball court or large sports hall minimum 25m x 15m
Surface Check
Clean, dry court surface free from debris and moisture
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Check hoops and backboards are secure
- •Ensure bibs are clean and in good repair
- •Cones placed safely away from main activity areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Player collisions during screen setting
- •Slips and falls on court surface
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear instruction on proper screen technique emphasising stationary position
- •Adequate spacing between groups during activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic movements
- •Controlled defensive pressure appropriate to skill level
- •Regular hydration breaks and intensity monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Monitor screen setting technique for safety
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate contact levels
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical staff if required