Lesson 5 - Shooting Skills & Space Creation
Foundational Skills & Development
•Year 8
•Basketball
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How can we use technical language to help teammates improve their shooting performance?
Learning Objectives
- Evaluate teammates' shooting technique using correct technical language
- Create space for shooting opportunities using screens and movement patterns
- Apply numerical advantage strategies in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will provide constructive feedback using basketball terminology
- Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy through peer coaching
- Students will execute screens and space creation techniques in game scenarios
Equipment & Resources Required
Check inflation before lesson, have 2-3 spare balls available
Alternative: Size 6 basketballs for smaller hands, foam balls for practice
Ensure hoops are at appropriate height (2.6m for Year 8)
Alternative: Wall targets with tape markers, portable hoops
Have extras available, ensure colours are distinct
Alternative: Different coloured pinnies or bands
Use to mark boundaries and shooting positions
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
The mechanical process of shooting including stance, grip, release and follow-through
A fake movement where you step forcefully in one direction to deceive the defender before going the opposite way
An offensive move where a player positions their body to block a defender, creating space for a teammate
An aggressive offensive move toward the basket using speed and ball control
When the attacking team has more players than the defending team in a specific area
Helpful advice that identifies specific improvements and suggests solutions
A cutting movement that creates space by moving away then sharply back toward the ball
A cutting pattern moving in an L-shape to lose a defender and receive the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic dribbling and ball handling skills
- Understanding of shooting fundamentals (BEEF technique)
- Basic offensive and defensive positioning
Current Skills
- Peer evaluation using technical language
- Advanced shooting technique refinement
- Screen setting and using screens effectively
- Space creation through jab steps and cutting movements
Next Steps
- Complex offensive systems and plays
- Advanced defensive strategies against screens
- Leadership roles in team coaching and analysis
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Use structured feedback format: 'What I saw... What went well... Next time try...'
- Emphasise BEEF shooting technique throughout all shooting activities
- Ensure screens are set stationary with proper safety positioning
- Encourage use of technical basketball vocabulary in all peer interactions
- Focus on creating genuine space through convincing fake movements
- Promote positive coaching relationships between peer partners
- Connect evaluation skills to improvement in basketball performance
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking any feedback is good feedback - must be specific and technical
- Believing screens involve moving or pushing - screens must be stationary
- Assuming jab steps should be small movements - they need to be convincing fakes
- Thinking evaluation is just about pointing out mistakes - should include positives and solutions
- Believing technical language is only for experts - all students can learn and use proper terminology
- Assuming numerical advantage means easy scoring - requires tactical awareness to be effective
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear and immediate feedback, use dynamic and engaging activities, offer movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns initially, provide extra practice time, use larger targets and equipment, break down skills into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule for lesson progression, offer quiet space for breaks, maintain consistent teaching approach
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured basketballs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted peer partners, use tactile feedback for shooting technique
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written feedback frameworks, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, use vibrant visual cues
physical disability
- Adapt shooting heights and distances, provide seated options for skill practice, modify movement patterns for mobility limitations, use appropriate sized equipment
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, structured feedback delivery, communication skills, descriptive language for movement analysis
Maths
Angles of shooting and cutting movements, percentage calculations for shooting accuracy, geometric patterns in screen setting, statistical analysis of game performance
Science
Forces and motion in basketball shooting, biomechanics of human movement, physics of ball trajectory, muscle groups used in different basketball skills
Drama
Communication skills, confidence in giving feedback, body language awareness, presentation skills when demonstrating
PSHE
Peer coaching and supportive feedback, leadership development, resilience in competitive situations, teamwork and cooperation
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around court perimeter for optimal observation of all groups, position near skill practice areas for immediate feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct shooting technique, effective use of screens, quality of peer feedback, communication during games
Intervention Points
Step in when safety issues arise, when technical skills need correction, when peer feedback becomes unhelpful, when game situations become unbalanced
Demonstration Notes
Model peer coaching language, show shooting technique clearly, demonstrate screen setting safety, emphasise technical vocabulary usage
Verbal Cues
- •'Use your basketball words!'
- •'What specifically did you see?'
- •'How can they improve that technique?'
- •'Great screen - nice and solid!'
- •'Remember your BEEF shooting checklist!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full basketball court or equivalent space minimum 28m x 15m, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface suitable for basketball movements, check for damage or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check basketballs are properly inflated
- •Ensure hoops are securely mounted at appropriate height
- •Verify bibs are in good condition without sharp edges
- •Confirm cones are stable and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during fast movement and cutting patterns
- •Falls during screening and contact situations
- •Ball strikes during shooting practice
- •Overexertion during high-intensity games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between groups during skill practice
- •Progressive skill building from individual to game application
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended activity
- •Supervision of contact during screening practice
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all activity areas
- •Monitor screening practice for safety
- •Watch for fatigue during game situations
- •Ensure equal participation and rotation
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical assistance, ensure other students are safe and supervised