Basketball - Lesson 1

The first lesson in a Year 6 basketball unit focuses on fundamental skills such as passing and dribbling. The learning objectives set out for the pupils are to be able to pass and dribble with the ball effectively. Success is measured by the ability to dribble while maintaining awareness of surroundings, executing and receiving passes accurately, and creating space to receive a pass. Key vocabulary for the lesson includes terms such as 'chest pass', 'bounce pass', 'dribble', and 'space'. To facilitate the lesson, equipment required includes a class set of basketballs and cones for setting up the activities.

The lesson is structured to include a warm-up, main activities, and a cool-down. During the warm-up, pupils jog around the basketball court, familiarising themselves with its lines and areas, and perform sprints upon command. The main part of the lesson recaps dribbling and passing skills, with emphasis on ball control using fingers and keeping the head up. Pupils practice moving and dribbling around the court, and then work in pairs to perfect different types of passes, aiming to complete as many successful catches as possible. The 'Friend or Foe' game is introduced to further develop these skills, with variations for extending the challenge. The cool-down involves a catching exercise with decreasing counts, encouraging precision and coordination. Throughout the lesson, pupils are encouraged to think critically about strategies to retain possession of the ball during play.