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New
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Year 4

Dribbling (hand)

I can dribble in order to keep control and possession of the ball.

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New
New
Year 4

Dribbling (hand)

I can dribble in order to keep control and possession of the ball.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: dribbling into space requires bent knees, strong wrists, using fingertips while also keeping our head up.
  2. Move: we need close control so we can change direction or speed to move into space away from defenders.
  3. Think: dribbling into space with the ball under control makes it difficult for the defender to gain possession.
  4. Feel: working hard on our dribbling technique shows that we are determined to improve.
  5. Connect: showing respect to the opposition is important and enables fair play.

Keywords

  • Dribbling - moving the ball with your hands

  • Control - keeping the ball close and moving it where you want it to go

  • Space - an open area where your opponent isn't standing

Common misconception

Pupils often try to bounce the ball too hard, resulting in dribbling it too high. Pupils believe they can only dribble with one hand.

Bending your knees and dribbling lower with control will make it harder for a defender to steal the ball. You can only dribble with one hand at a time, however switching between hands is an effective way to dribble with control.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Dribbling (hand), download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Emphasise the importance of keeping their head up while dribbling. When pupils are using their fingertips to dribble, ensure they are using the inside pads of their fingertips and not the end of them.
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Teacher tip
equipment-required

Equipment

1 basketball per pupil, 30+ floor markers, 30+ cones

content-guidance

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity
supervision-level

Supervision

Adult supervision required

copyright

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

4 Questions

Q1.
What do we call moving with a ball?
passing
Correct answer: dribbling
shooting
Q2.
Keeping the ball close to you when you dribble is known as what?
close ball
Correct answer: close control
close dribble
Q3.
Which of these sports is an invasion game?
tennis
cricket
Correct answer: netball
Q4.
What does being determined mean?
Correct answer: not giving up
winning
always listening

4 Questions

Q1.
Why is it important to keep your head up when dribbling?
to be comfortable
Correct answer: to find space
to move fast
Q2.
What helps you change direction and speed quickly?
Correct answer: close control
fast running
strong bounces
Q3.
Which skill is important for effectively dribbling a basketball and keeping possession?
bouncing it hard
dribbling it fast
Correct answer: low, controlled dribbling
Q4.
How can you demonstrate fair play?
winning
accurate passing
Correct answer: being respectful