Unit Plan 10 (Grade 4 PE): Basketball Skills & Small-Sided Play

Focus: Develop controlled dribbling, improve passing and catching, strengthen cutting to open space, and introduce basic man-to-man defense through small-sided basketball play.

Grade Level: 4

Subject Area: Physical Education (Basketball • Small-Sided Games • Offense & Defense)

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

I. Introduction

Students build basketball understanding by learning how to control the ball, move into useful space, and work together in small-sided game situations. In this unit, students begin with a dribbling warm-up that includes moving forward, backward, using crossovers, and changing speed while keeping the ball under control. They then apply those skills in 3v3 half-court basketball, where a class rule requires every player to touch the ball before a shot so students learn to pass, cut, and include teammates in the offense. Throughout the unit, students focus on dribbling with control, passing to moving teammates, cutting to open space, and staying between their player and the basket on defense.

Essential Questions

• How can I dribble with better control when I change speed or direction?
• How does moving to open space help my team get better scoring chances?
• Why is passing to all teammates important in a small-sided game?
• What does good man-to-man defense look like in Grade 4 basketball?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Pass and catch a basketball with improving accuracy while partners or teammates are moving.
2. Dribble under control while moving forward, retreating, changing speed, and using simple direction changes such as a crossover.
3. Combine basketball skills in sequence, such as dribble → pass → cut to open space → receive → shoot.
4. Use personal and general space effectively by spreading out and avoiding crowding around the ball.
5. Apply simple offensive ideas such as sharing the ball, cutting to open space, and waiting for a better shot.
6. Apply simple defensive ideas such as staying with one player, keeping body position between player and basket, and attempting legal steals or interceptions.
7. Stay actively engaged in warm-ups and 3v3 basketball games for most of class time.

Standards Alignment — 4th Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.4c – Throwing & Catching with Accuracy Throw (overhand and underhand) and catch objects with accuracy and consistency while both partners or players are moving.
  • Example: Students complete passing patterns in small-sided games, leading a moving teammate with an accurate throw.
• PE:S1.4d – Kicking, Dribbling & Ball Control with Feet Dribble a ball with the feet using changes of speed and direction, and perform controlled passes and shots to targets or teammates.
  • Example: In modified soccer, students dribble through defenders, then accurately pass to an open teammate or shoot on goal.
• PE:S1.4f – Combining Skills in Game Sequences Combine multiple skills (dribble, pass, catch, shoot, strike, run, dodge) in game-like sequences with basic fluidity.
  • Example: In handball lead-up games, students catch a pass, take a few steps to open space, and then pass or shoot toward a goal.
• PE:S2.4a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use personal and general space effectively by moving to open areas, avoiding overcrowded zones, and maintaining safe distances in games.
  • Example: In small-sided games, students spread out instead of clustering around the ball, making it easier to receive passes.
• PE:S2.4d – Offensive Strategies in Small-Sided Games Demonstrate basic offensive strategies such as moving without the ball, creating passing lanes, using give-and-go plays, and choosing high-percentage shots.
  • Example: In a 3v3 basketball or soccer game, students cut to open space to receive a pass and choose appropriate times to shoot.
• PE:S2.4e – Defensive Strategies & Position Play Demonstrate basic defensive ideas such as maintaining proper position (between opponent and goal), marking a player, and attempting legal interceptions.
  • Example: A student stays between an opponent and the goal in handball or soccer, trying to block shots or intercept passes without fouling.
• PE:S3.4a – Active Participation in MVPA Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) for most of the class, minimizing off-task time.
  • Example: During fitness circuits, stations, or games, students remain engaged and moving rather than standing and watching others.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can dribble with better control when I move faster, slower, or change direction.
• I can pass to teammates and move to a new open spot after I pass.
• I can help my team by making sure everyone touches the ball before we shoot.
• I can stay with my player and keep myself between them and the basket on defense.
• I can stay active and ready during the full game.