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Lesson 5 - Triple Threat Skills

Foundation Skills

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Year 7

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Basketball

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Big Question

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

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 6 basketballs for smaller hands, foam balls for beginners

Bibs

15 (5 each of 3 colours)

Organised by colour for quick team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Cones

Used to mark court boundaries and practice areas

Alternative: Spots or markers

Basketball Hoops

4-6 hoops

Standard height or adjusted to 8-9 feet for Year 7

Alternative: Adjustable height hoops or target zones

Key Vocabulary

Triple Threat

A balanced basketball position where a player can shoot, pass, or dribble with equal effectiveness

Screen

A legal blocking move where a player uses their body to impede a defender's movement

Roll

The movement a screener makes towards the basket after setting a screen

Jab Step

A quick, aggressive step with the non-pivot foot to test the defender's reaction

Fake Pass

A deceptive movement that mimics passing to one direction before going another

Shot Fake

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

Students naturally adopt triple threat when receiving passes

Screen and roll becomes instinctive team movement

Decision making improves under defensive pressure

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