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Lesson 5 - Ball Protection and Tournament Play

Excellence In Sport Education

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Year 9

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Sport Education

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Big Question

How can mastering ball protection skills and team tactics lead to tournament success?

Learning Objectives

Lead their own warm-up and demonstrate leadership skills
Demonstrate effective ball protection techniques under pressure
Apply possession-keeping strategies in competitive match situations
Analyse individual and team performance to set improvement targets

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently lead warm-up activities and demonstrate leadership qualities
Students will protect the ball effectively using low dribble, body positioning and pivoting
Students will maintain possession under pressure during tournament matches
Students will reflect on performance and set specific targets for improvement

Equipment & Resources Required

Basketball

15-20 (1 per 2 students minimum)

Stored in equipment manager's designated area, properly inflated

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

Team bibs

6 sets of different colours (5-6 bibs per set)

Organised by equipment manager at start of lesson

Alternative: Coloured bands or team shirts

Dish Cones

20-30 assorted sizes

Used to mark court areas and boundaries for drills

Alternative: Dome cones, boundary markers

Clipboards

6 (1 per team)

For team captains and coaches to record performance notes

Alternative: Tablet devices, notebooks

Stopwatch

2-3

For timing drills and match periods

Alternative: Phone timer apps, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Ball Protection

Keeping the basketball safe from defenders by using body position, low dribble and smart movement

Man to Man Defence

A defensive strategy where each defender guards a specific opponent throughout the game

Possession

Having control of the basketball and maintaining it through smart play and protection

Pivot Foot

The foot that remains stationary when a player with the ball turns to change direction

Tournament Format

A competitive structure where teams play multiple matches to determine rankings and winners

Self-Assessment

The process of evaluating your own performance to identify strengths and areas for improvement

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic basketball handling and dribbling skills
Understanding of team roles in Sport Education model
Knowledge of basic offensive and defensive concepts
Experience working in teams and following tactics

Current Skills

Ball protection techniques under pressure
Leadership skills through role responsibilities
Game analysis and self-assessment abilities
Tournament play and competitive performance

Next Steps

Advanced tactical analysis and game planning
Complex offensive and defensive strategies
Coaching and mentoring other players
Tournament management and organisation

Milestone Indicators

Confident ball handling under defensive pressure

Effective communication during matches

Accurate self-assessment of performance

Positive leadership in team situations

Key Teaching Points

Ball protection requires low body position, controlled dribble, and smart decision-making under pressure
Leadership in Sport Education develops through authentic role practice and supportive feedback from peers
Tournament success comes from applying practiced skills consistently in competitive situations
Self-assessment using Head/Hands/Heart framework promotes honest reflection and targeted improvement
Effective teams combine individual skill excellence with positive communication and mutual support
Target setting must be specific, measurable, and connected to evidence from performance

Common Misconceptions

Ball protection means using arms to push away defenders - correct by teaching body positioning and legal shielding techniques
Tournament play is only about winning - emphasise skill development, sportsmanship, and process goals over outcomes
Self-assessment should always be positive - encourage honest evaluation that identifies both strengths and improvement areas
Leadership means being the loudest or most dominant - teach supportive, inclusive leadership that brings out the best in teammates
Complex skills can't be learned under pressure - show how progressive practice builds confidence for competitive application

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use high-energy activities to channel focus, offer leadership roles for engagement

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for skill development, use larger equipment initially, provide step-by-step technique breakdowns, encourage peer mentoring

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for Sport Education roles, use visual schedules for lesson activities, create quiet spaces for regulation when needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, assign sighted buddy for support, ensure adequate lighting

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions for activities, ensure face-to-face communication, utilise peer support systems

physical disability

Adapt ball protection techniques for seated players, modify court areas and distances, use appropriate sized equipment, ensure inclusive role assignments

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills development, verbal and non-verbal expression, presentation skills in leadership roles, reflective writing for self-assessment

Maths

Statistical analysis of tournament performance, percentage calculations for success rates, timing and measurement in sport science

Science

Biomechanics of movement efficiency, physics of ball trajectory and force, understanding reaction times and decision-making processes

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, tactical formations and movement patterns, understanding of angles and directions in sport

PSHE

Leadership development and responsibility, teamwork and cooperation skills, resilience and perseverance in challenging situations, respect and sportsmanship values

Psychology

Goal setting theory and motivation, team dynamics and leadership styles, stress management and performance under pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between courts for optimal observation, position near high-intensity activities, maintain clear sightlines to all students

Observation Focus

Monitor ball protection technique application, assess leadership quality in student roles, watch for competitive pressure effects on skill execution

Intervention Points

Step in when technique deteriorates significantly, address negative competitive behaviours immediately, support struggling leaders in their roles

Demonstration Notes

Model ball protection techniques periodically, show positive communication examples, demonstrate effective leadership behaviours, highlight exemplary sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Low and protect!'
•'Shield with your body, not your arm!'
•'Smart passes keep possession!'
•'Great leadership from our coaches!'
•'What would excellent sportsmanship look like here?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full basketball court minimum, clear of obstacles with adequate run-off areas

Surface Check

Clean, dry court surface free from debris, appropriate footwear mandatory

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Basketballs properly inflated to correct pressure
•Cones and markers with no sharp edges or damage
•Bibs clean and in good condition without tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during fast-paced tournament matches
•Falls due to rapid direction changes and defensive pressure
•Ball strikes from rebounds and deflections
•Overexertion during competitive play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained
•Progressive skill building before competitive application
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament play
•Appropriate contact rules enforced consistently
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures followed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor intensity levels and competitive emotions
•Ensure Sport Education roles don't compromise safety oversight
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting coordination and decision-making

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes, emergency contact information available