Mastering Basketball Dribbling

Overview

This 60-minute Physical Education lesson for Year 13 students aligns with the UK educational standards for KS5 Physical Education, focusing on motor skill development and advanced gameplay techniques in basketball. Students will learn and practise proper dribbling techniques using both command and reciprocal teaching strategies. The lesson plan also includes inclusive teaching adjustments for a pupil with a hearing impairment.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Demonstrate proper dribbling technique in basketball, including stance, hand positioning, and movement.
2. Analyse and provide feedback to peers on their dribbling skills using a reciprocal learning strategy.
3. Understand how to adapt basketball skills for inclusive play.

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Key Curriculum Links

• National Curriculum Alignment (KS5): Develop advanced skills in sporting techniques and apply them effectively in competitive settings. Demonstrate teamwork by using peer-assessment methods to refine personal and group performance.
• Exam Relevance: Supports progression in A-Level PE topics such as "Skill Acquisition" and "Practical Performance in Physical Activity".

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Materials Needed

• 15 basketballs (one for every two students)
• A whiteboard/large poster with key dribbling points (visual aid for inclusion)
• Set of cones for marking dribbling paths
• Clipboards and peer feedback sheets for reciprocal teaching
• A whistle and stopwatch

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction and Warm-Up (10 minutes)

• Greeting and Objectives (2 minutes): Briefly explain the purpose of the session and how it will run, emphasising the importance of dribbling to basketball success. Write visual instructions on the board, using simple language to aid understanding for pupils with hearing impairments.
• Dynamic Warm-Up (8 minutes): Lead students through a series of basketball-specific drills (e.g., jogging, high knees, arm circles, lunges) to prepare the body for physical activity. Incorporate "stationary dribbling" here to begin engaging motor skills.

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2. Command Teaching: Demonstration and Practice (15 minutes)

• Demonstration (5 minutes):
  • Use clear, slow movements to explain proper dribbling technique:
    1. Knees bent slightly.
    2. Use finger pads, not palms.
    3. Maintain control with low, firm bounces.
    4. Keep your head up—look ahead, not down at the ball.
  • Verbally explain key points while performing slow motions. Ensure visual aids are present (e.g., diagrams on the whiteboard). Rotate your position so the pupil with a hearing impairment can see your mouth and gestures.
• Command Drills (10 minutes):
  • Students are spaced out across the court with their basketballs.
  • Call out commands such as: “Dribble low!”, “Crossover into your left hand!”
  • Provide corrections as needed by moving around the group.

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3. Reciprocal Teaching: Partnered Feedback (15 minutes)

• Pair students (one ball per pair) and position them along a dribbling lane marked by cones.
• Explain the reciprocal teaching strategy:
  • Partner A dribbles through the lane while Partner B observes.
  • Partner B uses a feedback sheet to evaluate Partner A’s performance based on specific criteria provided earlier.
  • Partners switch roles after 2 minutes.
• Inclusion Strategy: Provide the pupil with a hearing impairment a visual checklist for feedback instead of solely verbal instructions. Assign a partner who has demonstrated strong communication skills.

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4. Game Scenario: Applied Dribbling Skills (15 minutes)

• Set up a full or half-court depending on available space. Divide the pupils into small groups (3v3 or 5v5). The focus is maintaining dribbling control under gameplay conditions.
• Rules: Players are encouraged to dribble as much as possible before passing or shooting. Teachers move around the court providing individual encouragement and pointers.

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5. Cooldown and Reflection (5 minutes)

• Cooldown Routine (3 minutes): Lead the class in static stretches targeting the lower body and upper limbs (hamstrings, calves, wrists, shoulders). Ensure this activity slows the heart rate, preventing injury.
• Reflection and Q&A (2 minutes):
  1. Ask students to reflect on the key dribbling techniques they have learned; use hands-up responses.
  2. Collect feedback sheets and briefly emphasise their role in reciprocal learning.

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Adaptations for Inclusion

• Position yourself so the pupil with a hearing impairment has a clear sightline of your instructions.
• Use visual aids frequently (hand gestures for drills, diagrams for techniques), keeping explanations concise and well-paced.
• Pair the pupil with a partner who can help communicate instructions confidently.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Monitor dribbling technique and provide real-time feedback during individual practice and gameplay.
• Peer-assessment sheets will demonstrate students' analytical abilities when offering feedback.

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Homework/Extension Activity

Ask students to research an elite basketball player (e.g., LeBron James, Elena Delle Donne) and identify how dribbling is a key element of their playing style. Students should write a short reflection (200–300 words) to share next PE session.

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Teacher’s Self-Assessment

Consider reflecting on whether:

• The combination of command and reciprocal teaching strategies worked well for skill development.
• Inclusivity practices adequately supported the pupil with a hearing impairment.
• Students were engaged throughout and made visible progress in dribbling skills.