Basketball Basics Fun

Year Level

Year 3

Duration

60 minutes

Class Size

24 students

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Australian Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education
Strand: Movement and Physical Activity
Substrand: Motor skills and movement sequences
Content Descriptions:

• ACPMP031 - Practise and refine fundamental movement skills involving object manipulation, such as throwing, catching and bouncing objects and combining movement skills to perform specialised movements like those used in a range of games
• ACPMP033 - Participate in a range of minor games that involve applying simple tactics and fair play
• ACPPS035 - Use personal and social skills to interact respectfully with others during physical activities
• ACPMP035 - Develop and apply movement concepts and strategies in a variety of physical activities to achieve a movement outcome

General Capabilities:

• Personal and social capability (teamwork, respect)
• Critical and creative thinking (strategies in game play)

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic basketball skills, including dribbling, passing, and shooting in a controlled environment.
2. Apply basic rules and fair play principles during a modified basketball game.
3. Work cooperatively in small teams to develop simple game strategies.
4. Exhibit respect and personal safety awareness during physical activities.

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Equipment Needed

• Size 5 basketballs (12 balls for pairs)
• Cones or markers for boundaries and zones
• Portable basketball hoops or adjustable ring
• Whistle
• Bibs in four different colours (for team identification)

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Lesson Outline

1. Warm-Up (10 minutes)

Purpose: Prepare the body, focus student concentration, and introduce basketball awareness.

• Dynamic stretching routine (e.g., arm circles, leg swings, light jogging) for 3 minutes.
• "Dribble Tag" game (7 minutes):
  • Each student dribbles a ball within a marked area.
  • They try to tag others by gently touching their shoulder while maintaining dribble control.
  • Emphasise spatial awareness, safe movement, and ball control.

2. Skill Introduction and Practice Stations (20 minutes)

Purpose: Teach and practise fundamental skills in manageable groups. (Students split into 4 groups of 6)

• Station 1: Dribbling Skill Basics (5 minutes):

  • Focus on stationary dribbling using fingers, keeping eyes forward.
  • Then progress to dribbling while walking.

• Station 2: Passing Techniques (5 minutes):

  • Teach chest pass and bounce pass with partners.
  • Emphasise stepping into the pass and accuracy.

• Station 3: Shooting Fundamentals (5 minutes):

  • Use lower hoops; focus on BEEF technique (Balance, Eyes, Elbow, Follow-through).
  • Practice close-range set shots.

• Station 4: Movement and Position Awareness (5 minutes):

  • Use cones to practice moving into space, pivoting, and changing directions with the ball.

3. Modified Mini Basketball Game (20 minutes)

Purpose: Apply skills in a fun, inclusive game respecting rules and teamwork.

• Divide students into 4 teams (6 per team) with bibs for identification.

• Use a half basketball court area, with lowered hoops to encourage shooting success.

• Rules:

  • Games last 5 minutes each with short breaks; rotate teams so everyone plays 3 times.
  • Encourage passing at least twice before shooting.
  • No physical contact; maintain safe distances.
  • Award points for teamwork and fair play alongside goals scored.

• Teacher and assistants provide immediate feedback on rules, teamwork, and skill use.

4. Cool Down and Reflection (10 minutes)

• Gentle jogging decreasing to walking for 2 minutes.

• Full body static stretches with breathing exercises (5 minutes).

• Group circle discussion (3 minutes):

  • What skills did you enjoy practising?
  • How did your team work together?
  • Why is respect and safety important in games like basketball?

• Celebrate effort with praise, acknowledge fair play and improvements.

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Assessment

Formative and ongoing during lesson:

• Observation checklist for each student’s demonstration of dribbling, passing, and shooting technique.
• Monitor participation and cooperation during games.
• Listen to student reflections highlighting understanding of teamwork and rules.

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Differentiation Strategies

• Provide additional support or modified basketballs for students developing fine motor skills.
• Offer challenge variations: slower movements for beginners, adding dribbling challenges for skilled students.
• Use peer coaching for students to support each other's skills development.

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Safety Considerations

• Ensure playing surface is safe and free from hazards.
• Reinforce non-contact rules to prevent injuries.
• Teach students to be aware of personal space and controlled movements.
• Have water breaks easily accessible.

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Teacher Notes

• Emphasise enjoyment and skill mastery over competition.
• Use positive reinforcement and celebrate all participation.
• Encourage students to support each other verbally.
• Prepare equipment in advance to maximise active time.

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This lesson aligns directly with the Australian Curriculum content for Year 3 Health and Physical Education focusing on movement skills and applying these in games and teamwork scenarios. It integrates social capabilities like respect and cooperation essential at this developmental stage , , .