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Lesson 1 - Team Formation Basics

Team Skills & Leadership Strategies

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Year 8

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Sport Education

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1h 7min

Big Question

How can understanding roles and responsibilities transform our team into a championship-winning unit?

Learning Objectives

Understand the key principles and benefits of the Sport Education model
Identify and explain specific team roles and responsibilities within the Sport Education framework
Demonstrate basic basketball skills while creating and denying space effectively
Evaluate what constitutes effective teamwork and leadership in sport

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently explain their assigned team role and responsibilities
Students will demonstrate understanding of space creation and denial in basketball
Students will work collaboratively in teams showing effective communication
Students will reflect on leadership qualities and teamwork principles

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

1 per 3 students (10 total)

Stored in equipment trolley, distributed to teams when needed

Alternative: Size 5 footballs or netballs for skill development

Coloured Bibs

6 sets of 5 different colours (30 total)

One colour per team, distributed during team selection

Alternative: Team coloured bands or pinnies

Cones

20 marker cones

Used for court boundaries and skill stations

Alternative: Spot markers or pylons

Laptop/Tablet

For displaying Sport Education PowerPoint presentation

Alternative: Whiteboard with printed materials

PE Folder

6 folders

One per team containing role descriptions and record sheets

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Whistles

One for teacher, one for student referees

Alternative: Hand signals or voice commands

Key Vocabulary

Sport Education

A curriculum model that provides authentic sport experiences through seasons, teams, and specialised roles

Team Captain

The leader responsible for team motivation, decision-making, and representing the team

Skills Coach

Team member responsible for helping teammates improve their basketball techniques

Creating Space

Moving to an area with more room to receive the ball or make a play

Denying Space

Defensive positioning to prevent opponents from receiving the ball or making plays

Media Manager

Team member responsible for recording statistics, highlights, and team progress

Equipment Manager

Team member responsible for setting up, maintaining, and returning equipment

Fitness Coach

Team member responsible for leading warm-ups, conditioning, and injury prevention

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball dribbling and passing skills
Understanding of basic teamwork concepts
Experience working in small groups
Basic knowledge of attack and defence principles

Current Skills

Sport Education model understanding
Team role identification and responsibility
Space creation and denial in basketball context
Leadership and communication skills development

Next Steps

Advanced team tactical development
Specific role mastery and specialisation
Tournament preparation and strategy
Peer coaching and mentoring skills

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain Sport Education benefits confidently

Team roles are understood and embraced by all members

Basic basketball skills show improvement within team context

Communication and leadership qualities are emerging

Key Teaching Points

Sport Education creates authentic sport experiences through seasons, teams, and specialised roles
Every team role is equally important and contributes to overall team success
Creating space involves moving away from defenders to open areas for ball reception
Denying space requires close defensive positioning to limit opponent opportunities
Effective teamwork combines individual skills with collective strategy and communication
Leadership in sport involves both decision-making and supporting teammate development
Sport Education develops life skills alongside physical abilities through authentic experiences

Common Misconceptions

Sport Education is just playing games - actually involves comprehensive skill development and authentic sport experiences
Only athletic students can be successful - all roles offer opportunities for different types of contributions and leadership
Team roles are permanent - students can experience different roles throughout the season for complete development
Creating space means running fast - actually requires intelligent movement and reading the game situation
Good teamwork means everyone does the same thing - actually requires understanding individual roles within team strategy

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Include regular role responsibility reminders, provide movement opportunities within structure, use clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Use larger basketballs for easier handling, simplify movement patterns, provide additional time for skill development

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, offer quiet reflection space, use consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured equipment, provide detailed verbal descriptions of court layout, assign buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written role descriptions, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt basketball rules for wheelchair users, modify court dimensions, provide alternative role opportunities

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Developing communication skills through role responsibilities, presenting team strategies, recording observations and feedback

Science

Understanding forces and motion in basketball, body systems response to exercise, biomechanics of shooting and passing

Geography

Understanding court dimensions and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, studying basketball as a global sport

History

Researching the development of basketball and Sport Education model, understanding sports evolution and cultural impact

ICT

Using technology for team presentations, recording performance data, researching professional basketball strategies

Mathematics

Recording and analysing team statistics, calculating success percentages, understanding angles and trajectories in shooting

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all teams, mobile during basketball activities for close observation

Observation Focus

Monitor role implementation, basketball skill development, team dynamics, and safety throughout all activities

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, facilitate struggling team discussions, provide additional role clarification as needed

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for role examples, demonstrate basketball skills at appropriate pace for observation

Verbal Cues

•'Remember your role responsibilities!'
•'Captains, lead your team strategy!'
•'Skills coaches, what do you observe?'
•'Create space by moving to open areas!'
•'Deny space by staying close to your opponent!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or large outdoor court area, minimum 30m x 20m with additional space for team areas

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and appropriate for basketball activity

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated and checked for damage
•Cones positioned to avoid trip hazards
•Electrical equipment for presentation safely positioned
•Team folders and materials organised to prevent clutter

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during basketball activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Ball strikes during passing/shooting
•Overexertion during extended activity

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing
•Graduated activity intensity with proper warm-up
•Continuous supervision of basketball activities
•Team areas positioned to avoid interference with active play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for optimal visibility of all teams and activities
•Monitor basketball activities for safe play
•Observe team discussions for any conflict resolution needs
•Ensure role responsibilities don't create unsafe situations

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required