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      Game application of attacking and defending

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can quickly and effectively switch from attacking to defending to help my team when playing basketball.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: to outwit our opponents, we must pass, move and dribble effectively to create scoring opportunities.
      2. Move: when our team loses possession, we need to switch to defending and closely mark an opposing player.
      3. Think: evaluating our performance by identifying strengths and weaknesses can help us to maintain possession.
      4. Feel: striving to always try our best, even when our team is losing, demonstrates excellent integrity.
      5. Connect: when playing a game of basketball, it is important to respect our team, the opposition and the officials.

      Keywords

      • Opponent - a person who is on an opposing team in a game

      • Possession - the team in control of the ball

      • Team - a group of people who work together with the objective of achieving the same a outcome

      Common misconception

      Pupils often underestimate many of the learnt skills and believe that shooting from anywhere on the court is effective.

      Remind pupils the importance of passing and dribbling into space, teamwork and positioning.

      Teacher tip

      Attempt to balance the teams according to ability to produce fair and more challenging games.

      Equipment

      1 basketball between 4 pupils, 6 basketball hoops/ targets, 30+ cones

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In basketball, how should a defender, who is trying to stop a pass, stand?

      Correct answer: up tall
      down low
      sideways

      Q2.
      What word describes a person on the other team?

      challenger
      Correct answer: opponent
      defender

      Q3.
      What should you do if your team is losing?

      always shoot
      shout at teammates
      Correct answer: keep trying

      Q4.
      What should you do if your team loses possession?

      Correct answer: switch to defending
      shoot
      pass the ball

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which word describes a group of people who are working together to achieve the same goal?

      friends
      opponents
      Correct answer: team

      Q2.
      How can you outwit your opponents?

      Correct answer: pass and move
      standing still
      be respectful

      Q3.
      What can your team reflect on to help them improve?

      Correct answer: strengths and weaknesses
      your speed
      the other team

      Q4.
      Who should you respect when playing a game of basketball?

      just your team
      just your opponents
      Correct answer: everyone

      To help you plan your 4 physical education lesson on: Game application of attacking and defending, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...