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Lesson 1 - Ball Control & Triple Threat

Foundational Skills & Development

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Year 8

•

Basketball

•

50 min

Big Question

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

Learning Objectives

Demonstrate agility, balance, coordination and precision when dribbling a basketball
Execute the triple threat position with correct body positioning and ready stance
Apply ball control techniques under pressure in game-like situations

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently dribble a basketball with control while maintaining awareness
Students will adopt the triple threat position on command with correct technique
Students will protect the ball using body positioning during competitive activities

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around court perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Size 5 footballs, large playground balls

Cones

20-30

Used to mark zones and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, tape

Coloured Bibs

6-8

For identifying defenders and teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies

Stopwatch

For timing activities and challenges

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Triple threat position

A balanced stance from which a player can pass, dribble or shoot

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball repeatedly using fingertips while moving

Ball control

Maintaining possession and direction of the ball during movement

Double dribble

Illegal action of dribbling, stopping, then dribbling again

Crossover

Dribbling the ball from one hand to the other in front of the body

Change of pace

Varying speed while dribbling to deceive defenders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with ball games and simple rules

Current Skills

Basketball dribbling technique with fingertip control
Triple threat position fundamentals
Ball protection and body positioning

Next Steps

Passing techniques and accuracy
Shooting mechanics and follow-through
Game tactics and positional play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent dribbling without looking at ball

Quick adoption of triple threat on command

Effective ball protection under light pressure

Key Teaching Points

Triple threat position creates tactical advantage and readiness for any basketball action
Fingertip control with extended arm and wrist snap produces effective dribbling
Head up dribbling enables spatial awareness and decision-making opportunities
Body positioning and non-dribbling arm provide essential ball protection
Controlled technique under pressure is more valuable than raw speed
Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic situations ensures safety
Game application reinforces skills while developing competitive resilience

Common Misconceptions

Speed is more important than control - emphasise technique first, speed develops naturally
Looking at the ball improves control - demonstrate that head up actually improves overall performance
Triple threat is just a starting position - explain it's an active, tactical stance for game situations
Dribbling is only about hand skills - highlight the importance of footwork and body positioning
Competition reduces learning - show how appropriate challenge enhances skill development
All students learn at same pace - reinforce individual progress and differentiated expectations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback and praise, structured movement opportunities

dyspraxia

Additional practice time for skills, simplified movement patterns initially, use of visual cues and markers

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, designated quiet area for breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instruction cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Seated dribbling variations, modified court sizes, adapted equipment like larger or softer balls

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, following complex instructions, verbal communication during team activities

Maths

Counting successful passes and dribbles, measuring distances for court setup, calculating angles for ball movement

Science

Understanding forces in ball bouncing, friction between ball and surface, body mechanics during movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and directional movement, understanding court dimensions and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central court position for demonstrations, perimeter movement during practice for individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct fingertip control, head position during dribbling, and safe spatial awareness

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, provide technique corrections during natural breaks

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, provide contrasting examples of correct vs incorrect technique, involve confident students in peer demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Fingertips, not palms!' for ball control
•'Head up, eyes forward!' for awareness
•'Protect your ball!' for defensive positioning
•'Find your space!' for spatial awareness

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Basketball court or large sports hall minimum 20m x 30m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones with rounded edges and stable bases
•Bibs clean and without tears or sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body during dribbling practice
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Finger injuries from poor ball handling technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and spacing established for all activities
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic
•Emphasis on controlled movements over speed
•Regular safety reminders about awareness and technique

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students during activities
•Move around teaching area to provide close supervision
•Monitor high-energy activities like 'Protect Your Rock' closely
•Ensure adequate rest periods to prevent fatigue-related incidents

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid access identified, clear evacuation routes maintained