A typical PE lesson would consist of 3 days of skill work, and 1 day of games.
On the skill days, we would typically play different games, that focused on skills the students needed to learn in order to be better at the game we were playing.
Our basketball unit:
Day 1: 30-45 mins
1) I had the students do a short lap around the track we have at our school to warm up (this gave me time to get the basketballs out and ready to use).
2) Then we did a short stretch.
3) Then we played a dribbling game.
*To play the dribbling game: About 5-8 kids have balls. They are dribbling in a court. The other students are trying to steal the ball away from the students. When they do, they are now the dribbler. It's a pretty simple game, but gets the students' heart rates up like crazy! And they practice dribbling!
4) After the dribbling game, I line the students up and we practice two types of passing, the bounce pass first, and the chest pass second. I emphasize to the students in the bounce pass to pass with their thumbs down, and to aim about half way between yourself and the person. For the chest pass, I have the student catching the ball put their hands at their chests, so the tosser has something to aim for. And I emphasize passing through the finger tips.
5) We then played monkey in the middle, but by using different passes.
Day 2: 30-45 mins.
1) Repeat steps 1-4
2) After the dribbling day we practiced shooting. Before we even get to the baskets, I show them how to shoot the ball properly. We first practice using one hand, flick the wrist, and use the fingers to point where you want the ball to go (follow through). Once they master that, I show them how to balance the ball with their other hand, and we continue to practice small shots (without the basket still). Then we progress to getting the ball higher and higher. Once they seem to master that, I assign them a hoop to shoot at, and they practice on their own.
Day 3: 30-45 mins.
1) Repeat steps 1-4 on day 1, and step 2 on day 2, but before you assign them baskets, show them how to shoot free-throws, and what that means (if they are fouled during the game). Then let them practice free-throws as well as other shots.
**You could also teach them lay-ups if you have advanced basketball players. I went around to hoops individually and taught them if they were ready.
Day 4: 30-45 mins. (including explaining the game inside)
GAME DAY
1) Explain how the game (Basketball) works before you go outside. It is a lot easier to explain the rules BEFORE you go outside, and have to yell.2) I also like to make two different games, competitive and non-competitive. I have found that some kids like to be rough, and others just don't. Also, the competitive students will only pass to each other, and the non-competitive kids just stop and don't get the work out they really need. For some reason, this worked, and the kids seemed fine with it. Plus, some kids like other sports more than others, and will surprise you by jumping into the competitive group when they are confident. Also, DO THIS BEFORE YOU GO OUTSIDE Too!
3) Walk outside, Repeat steps 1-2 from day 1, then let them start their game!
It was a fun unit!
