Introduction to Basketball - 6th Grade Gym Class Unit

Grade Level: 6th Grade

Teaching Intern: Gavin McDonald

Overview/Objectives:

This 5-day basketball unit aims to introduce 6th-grade students to the fundamental skills, rules,

and strategies of basketball. The lessons will cover dribbling, shooting, passing, basic offensive

and defensive strategies, and teamwork. The unit will use a variety of teaching methods,

including games, drills, video analysis, and group activities.

Day 1: Dribbling Basics

Objectives:

● Understand the basic rules of dribbling.

● Develop basic dribbling skills.
● Learn the importance of ball control.

Activities:

Warm-up (5 minutes):
● Light jogging and stretching.
Introduction to Dribbling (10 minutes):
● Brief lecture on dribbling rules and techniques.
● Demonstration of proper dribbling form.
Dribbling Drills (10 minutes):
● Divide students into small groups.
● Stations for practicing dribbling techniques.
Game Time (20 minutes):
● Play a friendly game emphasizing dribbling skills.

Materials:
 ● Basketball for each student.
● Cones for dribbling drills.
● Instructional handout on dribbling basics.

Day 1: Dribbling Basics - Exit Slip

What is the main purpose of dribbling in basketball?

a) To show off skills

b) To pass the ball to a teammate

c) To move the ball up and down the court

d) To shoot a basket

What is a crucial element of good dribbling?

a) Dribbling with your eyes closed

b) Dribbling too high

c) Dribbling with both hands

d) Dribbling while standing still

During the dribbling drills, what were the cones used for?

a) To kick the ball through

b) To create a defensive barrier

c) To practice shooting

d) To guide the dribbling path

Day 2: Shooting Fundamentals

Objectives:

● Learn the basic shooting stance and form.

● Understand the rules of shooting.
● Practice shooting accuracy.

Activities:

Review (5 minutes):
● Briefly review dribbling techniques from the previous day.
Shooting Techniques (10 minutes):
● Lecture on shooting fundamentals.
● Demonstration of proper shooting form.
Shooting Drills (10 minutes):
● Stations for shooting practice.
● Emphasis on accuracy and consistency.
Game Time (20 minutes):
● Play a shooting-focused mini-game.

Materials:

● Basketball for each student.

● Hoops for shooting drills.
● Instructional handout on shooting fundamentals.

Day 2: Shooting Fundamentals - Exit Slip

What is the correct term for the way you stand and hold the ball when preparing to shoot?

a) Shooting stance

b) Dribbling form

c) Passing position

d) Defensive pose

What is the primary focus when practicing shooting drills?

a) Speed of the shot

b) Shooting accuracy
c) Fancy moves

d) Number of shots attempted

What should you pay attention to when shooting for accuracy?

a) Closing your eyes

b) Shooting quickly

c) Aiming for the center of the hoop

d) Shooting from a far distance

Day 3: Passing Skills and Teamwork

Objectives:

● Learn various passing techniques.

● Understand the importance of teamwork in basketball.
● Practice passing accuracy.

Activities:

Review (5 minutes):
● Quick review of dribbling and shooting techniques.
Passing Techniques (10 minutes):
● Lecture on different passing styles.
● Demonstration of proper passing form.
Passing Drills (10 minutes):
● Stations for passing practice.
● Emphasis on accurate and quick passes.
Teamwork Activities (20 minutes):
● Group activities emphasizing teamwork.

Materials:
 ● Basketballs for passing drills.
● Cones for passing accuracy drills.
● Instructional handout on passing techniques.

Day 3: Passing Skills and Teamwork - Exit Slip

What is an essential aspect of good teamwork in basketball?

a) Hogging the ball

b) Good communication

c) Ignoring teammates

d) Always shooting for the basket

What is the purpose of passing drills?

a) To make the game slower

b) To practice accurate and quick passes

c) To confuse opponents

d) To show off passing skills

Why is it important to have different passing techniques?

a) It makes the game more complicated

b) It helps to confuse teammates

c) It allows for flexibility in different game situations

d) Passing is not important in basketball

Day 4: Basic Offensive and Defensive Strategies

Objectives:
 ● Understand basic offensive and defensive strategies.
● Develop situational awareness on the court.
● Apply teamwork in a game setting.

Activities:

Review (5 minutes):
● Quick review of previous skills.
Strategy Lecture (10 minutes):
● Brief lecture on offensive and defensive strategies.
● Discuss positioning and movement on the court.
Strategy Drills (10 minutes):
● Stations focusing on strategy application.
● Group activities to practice team coordination.
Scrimmage (20 minutes):
● Play a controlled scrimmage to apply learned strategies.

Materials:

● Basketballs for drills and scrimmage.

● Cones for strategy drills.
● Instructional handout on basic basketball strategies.

Day 4: Basic Offensive and Defensive Strategies - Exit Slip

What is a key element of offensive strategy in basketball?

a) Standing still

b) Moving without the ball

c) Avoiding teammates

d) Ignoring the basket

Why is defensive strategy important in basketball?

a) To make the game less interesting

b) To prevent the other team from scoring

c) To confuse teammates

d) Defensive strategy doesn't matter

During the controlled scrimmage, what were students focusing on?

a) Eating snacks

b) Applying offensive and defensive strategies

c) Avoiding the ball

d) Checking their phones

Bulletin Board:

Create a display illustrating key offensive and defensive strategies in basketball.

Day 5: Team Building and Recap

Objectives:

● Reinforce teamwork and collaboration.

● Recap and review all skills learned during the unit.

Activities:

Team-building Activities (40 minutes):

● Engage in team-building exercises and games.
● Emphasize communication and trust.
Unit Recap (5 minutes):
● Group discussion on key takeaways from the unit.
● Q&A session for any remaining questions.

Materials:

● Various team-building props.

● Certificates of completion for students.

Day 5: Team Building and Recap - Exit Slip

What is a crucial element of successful team building?

a) Not talking to teammates

b) Trust and communication

c) Ignoring group activities

d) Doing everything individually

In the unit recap, what did students discuss?

a) Their favorite snacks

b) Key takeaways from the basketball unit

c) Ignored the discussion

d) Talked about unrelated topics

Why is teamwork important in sports?

a) It's not important

b) It makes the game more fun

c) It enhances performance and leads to success

d) Teamwork slows down the game

Assessment/Evaluation:
The evaluation for this unit will be a group project where students team up and design a basic

offensive or defensive strategy for a basketball game. The project will include a brief

presentation of the group of 6 or less showing off their ability to construct a simple formation

and strategy. A rubric will be provided to assess their understanding of the strategies, teamwork,
and presentation skills. This evaluation allows students to apply their knowledge in a practical

scenario, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the unit's objectives.