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Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can dribble with both hands and use the correct footwork when stopping.

Key learning points

  1. Move: dribbling the ball with both hands requires balance, coordination and timing.
  2. Think: knowing when to stop depends on the speed of travel and the position of the defenders.
  3. Feel: to dribble the ball and advance into space requires determination and effort.
  4. Connect: receiving and moving with the ball requires an awareness of where your team are on court.

Keywords

  • Jump stop - jumping off the ground and landing on both feet simultaneously

  • Travelling - a rule enforced when a player takes more than 2 steps without dribbling the ball

  • Dribble - bouncing the ball on the ground with one hand

Common misconception

Pupils think they can move with the ball more than 2 steps before starting to dribble.

This can be seen at the elite level but will break the travelling rule.

Teacher tip

Encourage creativity and different ways to move the ball in these dribbling practices. Encourage movement of the ball around their body without breaking the travelling or double dribble rules.

Equipment

1 basketball each, 15+ bibs, cones, ladders, tag belts and tags/flags

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - equipment

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.
How do players move with the ball in basketball?

Correct answer: dribble
run
pass

Q2.
How does a game of basketball start?

throw-in
free throw
Correct answer: tip-off

Q3.
How many players are on a full team?

4
Correct answer: 5
6

Q4.
How many points are awarded when a basket is scored inside the 3-point line?

1 point
Correct answer: 2 points
3 points

4 Questions

Q1.
Which part of the hand is used to dribble the ball with control?

palm
back
Correct answer: fingertips

Q2.
What is needed to dribble the ball into space ahead of a defender?

chance
resilience
Correct answer: determination

Q3.
Which rule is broken if more than 2 steps are taken before dribbling the ball?

Correct Answer: travelling, travel

Q4.
Which body part is extended to shield the ball when dribbling?

Correct Answer: non-dribbling arm, opposite arm

To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Dribbling and footwork, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...