Sport-Specific Skills

Basketball: Dribbling and Passing#

Basketball is one of the most widely played sports in the world. At the Grade 4 level, students focus on the two most fundamental skills: dribbling (moving with the ball) and passing (moving the ball to a teammate).

Dribbling Fundamentals#

Dribbling means bouncing the ball continuously with one hand while moving around the court. Proper dribbling technique:

Body position:

• Knees slightly bent — athletic stance
• Back relatively straight, head up (not looking at the ball)
• Weight on the balls of the feet, ready to move in any direction

Hand technique:

• Use your fingertips, not the palm — this gives you control
• Push the ball down with a controlled push, do not slap it
• Keep the ball at waist height or below — too high is harder to control
• Use your non-dominant hand to shield the ball from defenders

Practice progressions:

1. Stationary dribbling — stand still, build a rhythm
2. Walking dribble — move forward slowly while maintaining control
3. Jogging dribble — increase speed gradually
4. Direction changes — dribble to the right, then left, then straight
5. Crossover dribble — switch hands while changing direction

Passing Fundamentals#

Passing moves the ball to teammates faster than dribbling. Three main passes:

Chest pass:

• Hold ball at chest with both hands, elbows slightly out
• Step toward the target
• Push the ball out and release with wrists — thumbs point down at the finish
• Ball travels in a straight line to the receiver's chest

Bounce pass:

• Same technique as chest pass, but aim at a spot 2/3 of the way between you and the receiver
• Ball bounces up into receiver's hands — harder to intercept
• Best for close distances

Overhead pass:

• Hold ball above the head
• Step toward target, release with a forward snap of the wrists
• Used for longer distances or over a defender

Safety and Rules#

• Players may not run while holding the ball (traveling violation)
• Only one player dribbles at a time
• Physical contact with other players is not permitted
• Always be aware of other players and give space