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Big Question

How can we combine passing, moving and accurate shooting to score against our opponents?

Learning Objectives

  • To introduce students to shooting in handball with correct technique
  • To understand when and where to shoot effectively in game situations
  • To apply passing, moving and creating space skills to create shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate correct shooting technique with high arm position and side-on stance
  • Students will understand appropriate shooting positions and timing in game context
  • Students will successfully combine passing, moving and shooting skills in game applications

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs
1 per 4 students (8 total)

Place around playing area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls

Cones
20-30

Used for targets, boundaries, and goals

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops

Balls
6-10

Central targets for Hit the Target activity

Alternative: Small cones, foam blocks

Bibs
2 sets of different colours

For team identification in games

Alternative: Bands, coloured cones for identification

Key Vocabulary

Shooting

Throwing the ball towards a target or goal to score points

Technique

The correct way to perform a skill, focusing on body position and movement

Target Player

A team member positioned in the endzone who receives passes to score points

Attack

When a team has possession and is trying to score

Endzone

The scoring area where target players position themselves

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

  • Basic passing and catching skills
  • Understanding of moving into space
  • Basic team cooperation skills
  • Simple attacking and defending concepts

Current Skills

  • Correct shooting technique with high arm position
  • Understanding of when and where to shoot
  • Combining passing, moving and shooting
  • Creating space for shooting opportunities

Next Steps

  • Shooting under defensive pressure
  • Advanced shooting techniques
  • Complex team attacking patterns
  • Goalkeeping skills and positioning

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent use of high arm shooting technique
2
Successful conversion of passing moves into shooting opportunities
3
Understanding of appropriate shooting distance and timing
4
Effective teamwork in creating and executing attacks

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise high arm shooting technique throughout all activities
  • Always teach accuracy before power in shooting development
  • Connect shooting to previously learned passing and moving skills
  • Use positive reinforcement to build confidence in shooting attempts
  • Encourage teamwork and space creation for shooting opportunities
  • Maintain focus on technique even under game pressure
  • Provide immediate feedback on safety and technique

Common Misconceptions

  • Students thinking power is more important than accuracy - emphasise control first
  • Believing shooting can happen from anywhere - teach appropriate distances and positions
  • Assuming shooting is only individual skill - highlight team creation of opportunities
  • Focusing only on successful shots - celebrate good technique regardless of outcome
  • Thinking handball shooting is the same as other sports - emphasise specific technique differences

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use visual cues and clear boundaries
dyspraxia
  • Use larger, slower balls for easier tracking, provide additional practice time, break down movements into smaller steps
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and language
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, ensure clear auditory cues for direction
hearing impairment
  • Use visual demonstrations extensively, employ hand signals for key instructions, ensure students can see teacher's face
physical disability
  • Adapt throwing distance and height, provide seated options for target games, use lighter balls or bean bags

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for shooting, counting successful shots, calculating team scores, understanding angles for shooting

Science

Forces in throwing - push and pull, trajectory of balls, balance and stability, energy transfer

Geography

Direction and movement on court, spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when missing shots, celebrating others' success, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, corner positioning during games for full court visibility, circulate during skill practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct shooting technique, safe throwing directions, positive team interactions, effort and engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe throwing occurring, correct technique errors immediately, support struggling students, manage team dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for technique, exaggerate key body positions, repeat demonstrations as needed, use student examples

Verbal Cues
  • •'High arm, side-on!'
  • •'Step and throw!'
  • •'Find your space!'
  • •'Work together!'
  • •'Accuracy first, power later!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 15m hall or outdoor court, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, adequate grip for quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Balls properly inflated and suitable size for Year 3
  • •Cones in good condition with no sharp edges
  • •Bean bags securely filled and intact
  • •Goals/targets stable and appropriately sized

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball strikes to face or body during throwing
  • •Collisions between players during movement
  • •Slips and falls on court surface
  • •Finger injuries from catching
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear throwing zones and directions established
  • •Adequate spacing between activities and students
  • •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • •Emphasis on control over power in all throwing
  • •Clear boundaries and no-go zones marked

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
  • •Monitor high-activity areas during games
  • •Be alert during transition periods
  • •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if required