Hoops & Wellbeing

Lesson Title: Introduction to Basketball Fundamentals

Lesson 1 of 6 – Year 9 Physical Education
Timeframe: 45 minutes
Class Size: 25 students
Location: Indoor gymnasium or outdoor court

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Curriculum Alignment

Learning Area: Health and Physical Education (NZC)
Curriculum Level: Level 5 – Physical Education
Strand: Movement Concepts and Motor Skills / Relationships with Other People
Big Idea Link:

• Movement is integral to hauora / well-being
• People use movement to express themselves and relate to others
• Learning in, through and about movement improves wellbeing for individuals and communities

Whakataukī for the Learning Area:
He oranga ngākau, he pikinga waiora
Positive feelings in your heart will raise your sense of self-worth.

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Learning Intentions

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

• Identify and explain the basic rules and objectives of basketball.
• Demonstrate correct technique for dribbling, passing and shooting.
• Collaborate effectively in small groups, using clear communication and positive encouragement.

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Success Criteria

Students can:
✅ Accurately dribble using dominant hand while moving.
✅ Perform a bounce pass and chest pass with control and accuracy.
✅ Attempt a set shot using appropriate body positioning and follow-through.
✅ Actively contribute to team tasks, showing respect and encouragement.

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Key Competencies Integrated

• Participating and Contributing: Working in groups during drills and games.
• Relating to Others: Encouraging peers, listening in group discussions.
• Managing Self: Taking responsibility for equipment and improvement goals.
• Thinking: Reflecting on own technique and applying feedback.
• Using Language, Symbols, and Text: Understanding of basketball terminology and rules.

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Resources & Equipment

• 10 basketballs (1 per pair)
• 10 cones or markers
• 4 portable hoops / court access
• Whiteboard & markers (for rule illustrations)
• Whistle
• Speaker for music (optional)

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Lesson Structure – 45 Minutes

1. Whakawhanaungatanga / Warm-Up – 7 mins

Game: “Tag & Dribble”

• 10 cones scattered across court – students dribble while trying to avoid being tagged.
• Tagged students join the tagger, increasing chase pressure.
• Promotes movement, control and excitement right at the start.

Teacher Note: Encourage positive language like “you got this” and focus on breathing and balance.

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2. Ako / Introduction to Basketball – 5 mins

Gather students in a semicircle. Using visuals or diagram on whiteboard:

• Brief overview of the court layout
• Explain key rules: double dribble, travelling, scoring
• Introduce the three core skills – dribbling, passing, shooting

Cultural Link: Briefly introduce origins of basketball and relate to NZ basketball heroes e.g., Steven Adams, Tall Ferns.

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3. Skill Circuit – 20 mins

Split class into 5 rotating groups (5 students per station)
Rotate every 4 minutes – 1 minute to swap

Station 1: Dribbling Basics

• Stationary and moving dribble, right and left hand
• Challenge: navigate around cones

Station 2: Chest & Bounce Pass

• Work in pairs, emphasising step, push, and target
• Accuracy challenge: pass into a hoop lying flat

Station 3: Shooting

• Set shots from the key
• Peer-to-peer feedback: “Eyes, Elbow, Extend”

Station 4: Communication Challenge

• One blindfolded student completes a dribble/passing task being guided by verbal directions.
• Encourages trust and listening.

Station 5: Rule Recall Quiz (off-ball station)

• Card-based questions (e.g., “What happens if you double dribble?”)
• Students collaborate to match rule cards with descriptions

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4. Game-Based Activity – 7 mins

Modified 3v3 Mini Scrimmages

• Half-court games with a coach/referee from the peer group (rotated)
• Emphasis on using learned techniques and teamwork
• Teams rotate quickly—focus on participation not performance

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5. Whakaaroaro / Cool Down & Reflection – 6 mins

Cool Down:

• Group stretches in a circle
• Light jog around the court with breathing control

Reflection Prompt (verbal or in PE journal):

• “What was one skill you were proud of today?”
• “What helped your wellbeing during this lesson?”
• “How did teamwork or communication make a difference?”

Teacher Wrap-up: Reinforce that movement feels good and connects us to others. Highlight how basketball is more than sport—it’s a tool to build confidence, friendships, and physical wellbeing.

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Ako Tip for Teachers

Introduce short te reo Māori terms through the unit (e.g., pāhure for pass, kopere for shoot). Build vocabulary as part of kura-wide bicultural practice.

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Assessment for Learning

Informal teacher observation using the success criteria during circuit and mini-game. Use this observational info to group and differentiate in next lesson.

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Looking Ahead

Next Lesson: Dribbling & Movement Mastery
Focus on changing direction, using both hands, and protecting the ball from defenders. Continued emphasis on kāiarahi (leadership) and teamwork.

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Ka pai tō mahi!
Connection, engagement and movement – three pillars for a successful PE class.