Unit Plan 10 (Grade 3 PE): Basketball Fundamentals

Focus: Develop dribbling, passing, and eyes-up control while helping students move safely and successfully in a beginning court-sport setting.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Basketball Skills • Dribbling & Passing • Court Awareness)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students build foundational basketball skills by learning how to control the ball, pass accurately, and stay aware of the space around them. In this unit, students begin with stationary dribbling using the right hand and left hand, along with high and low dribbles, so they can begin controlling the ball while keeping their eyes up. They then apply those skills in Dribble Knockout (controlled) and Partner Passing using chest passes and bounce passes, where they practice ball control, spacing, and matching force to the task. Throughout the unit, students focus on dribbling under control, passing to a partner with accuracy, moving safely in shared court space, and staying active during skill practice.

Essential Questions

• How can I dribble a basketball with better control while keeping my eyes up?
• What helps a pass reach my partner accurately?
• Why is space awareness important in a court sport?
• How do I change force and effort depending on the pass or dribble?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Dribble a basketball with increasing control using both hands and varied dribble heights.
2. Pass and catch with improving accuracy during partner and group activities.
3. Use personal and general space effectively while moving and handling a ball.
4. Adjust effort and force to match the needs of different basketball tasks.
5. Stay actively engaged in basketball skill work for most of class time.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3c – Throwing & Catching in Games Throw (underhand and overhand) and catch objects with increasing accuracy and consistency in partner, group, and small-sided game situations.
  • Example: Students complete a sequence of accurate passes with a partner while moving in a small grid.
• PE:S1.3d – Kicking & Dribbling with Feet Dribble a ball with feet using control and change of direction, and kick a stationary or slowly moving ball toward a target or teammate.
  • Example: Students dribble around defenders in a small soccer grid and pass to an open teammate.
• PE:S2.3a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use knowledge of personal and general space to find open areas, avoid collisions, and position appropriately during games.
  • Example: In keep-away games, students move away from defenders to create open passing lanes.
• PE:S2.3c – Effort & Force to Match the Task Adjust speed, effort, and force (fast/slow, hard/soft) for successful performance in skills and games.
  • Example: Students throw softly to a nearby partner and with more force to a distant target in a throwing game.
• PE:S3.3a – Participation in Moderate-to-Vigorous Activity Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for most of the PE class time.
  • Example: Students remain engaged in continuous movement activities such as running games, circuits, or relays with minimal idle time.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can dribble with control using my right hand and left hand.
• I can pass to my partner with enough force and better accuracy.
• I can keep my eyes up and stay aware of the space around me.
• I can stay active and keep trying during basketball practice.