In basketball, it is important that players are confident in handling a ball. This section includes various activities to enable players to develop these skills.

Introduction

Give each player a ball and ask them to move the ball in different ways with their hands. For example, ask them to roll the ball while on their hands and knees. As the players are using the ball and manipulating the direction of it, shout out the instruction 'swap balls!'. Each player will have to find a player to swap balls with, then continue with the activity.

 Game: Musical Balls

Give each player a ball and ask them to find a space with their ball held above their head in both hands. Explain to the players that when the music is not playing, they should be still with the ball above their head. When the music is playing, the ball should be placed on the ground and the players will move around the area, avoiding the balls and other players. When the music stops, the players will need to rush over to the ball and hold it above their head. Remove one ball each time the music stops. Therefore, one player will be out each round

A vital part of basketball is being able to successfully throw a ball and also catch it. This section includes various activities to enable players to develop these skills.

Introduction

Give each player a ball and ask them to find a space in the area. Ask players to practise bouncing the ball using two hands and catch the ball again. Ask them to practise this while remaining still, then ask them to practise this using one-handed bouncing. Then ask players to do this while moving. This will develop the skills needed for passing and catching while moving.

 Game: Pass the Ball

Put the players into pairs or groups. Ask the players to bounce pass the ball between one another. It is important to emphasise that they need to call the name of the other player they are passing to. Ensure the player is always ready to receive the pass, standing with their hands out. Ask the players to count how many they complete. Then move on to passing the ball without it touching the ground.

By now, the players have practised handling the ball and also throwing and catching the ball. This section provides a game suitable for the players at this level. It involves a mix of the rules between basketball and netball.

 Game: Basketball or Netball

Use a small number of players for each team, only three or four. Instead of using a traditional basketball net, use a smaller net at a lower level. The players are only allowed to move when they do not have the ball. Once they receive the ball, they must pass the ball or shoot into the net. The idea of this game is to develop the skills players need for a team sport (communication), while practising the skills they need for throwing and catching.

In basketball, it is important that players are confident in handling a ball. This includes the skills of bouncing, throwing and catching. This section addresses these skills.

Introduction

Give each player a number, either one or two. Give a basketball to the number one players. Ask the number two players to find a space (explain what a space is if necessary). Ask the number one players to move around the hall bouncing the ball, while avoiding the other players. Then shout out 'number two', then the number one players must pass the ball to a number two player. The number two players will now move around the area bouncing the ball, while avoiding the other players. Then shout out 'number one', then the number two players must pass the ball to a number one player.

 Game: Passing

Put the players into pairs or groups. Ask the players to bounce pass the ball between one another. It is important to emphasise that they need to call the name of the other player they are passing to. Ensure the player is always ready to receive the pass, standing with their hands out. Ask the players to count how many they complete. Then move on to passing the ball without it touching the ground.

Shooting is essential in basketball. This is how players score points and it is a vital part of the game. This section focuses on this area of the game.

Introduction

Demonstrate to each player how they should throw a ball. Explain what the black square on the backboard is used for. Give each player a different coloured bib. The bib should correspond to a colour of cone. Each player will also need a basketball. Then hold up a cone of a particular colour, this means it is the turn of the player with that colour of bib to shoot into the net.

 Game: Beat the Clock

Divide the players into two teams. Each team will need to be arranged in a line in single file. Each team will have their own net to shoot into. Decide an appropriate length of time for the players to take turns shooting into their net. When the time starts, the players from each team will take turns throwing the ball at the basketball net. The team that scores the most baskets in that length of time wins

By now, the players have practised handling the ball, throwing and catching the ball and also shooting. It is now time to play a game of basketball.

 Game: Basketball

Explain the main rules of basketball to the players. For example, they must bounce the ball while running, it is non-contact. Use a small number of players for each team, only three or four. This will give the players more time on the ball and more touches of the ball. Set an appropriate length of time for the game. Allow rolling substitutes if necessary.

Introduction

It may be beneficial to introduce the rules of basketball gradually. It may also be useful to all the players to play a game with no nets, where the idea of the game is only about possession and passing the ball. This may encourage the players to pass when the game starts. Eventually, include all the rules of basketball and support the players in a competitive game.

Inclusion and Accessibility

While we would like all pupils to be included in Physical Education along with the others in their class, this is not always possible when it comes to playing the full version of the sport.

If a pupil has physical disabilities that mean they cannot safely take part in the game along with the other pupils in their class, then this pupil should be given the opportunity to take part in other physical activity. For example, a class could be split into groups, with some pupils practising the drills and others playing the game. The smaller group could practise the skills needed for the sport, or for the disabled version of the sport, alongside the rest of the class. These smaller groups would work in rotation, giving everyone an opportunity to play the sport and practise their skills.

Alternatively, some pupils may prefer to do a physical activity that they are particularly interested in, for example practising the drills needed for a sport they play outside of school.