Lesson 2 - Passing and Creating Space
Ball Skills & Tactics
•Year 3
•Handball
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How can we use passing and movement to keep possession of the ball away from defenders?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate passing techniques using the correct handball technique
- To understand how to create space through movement to receive passes
- To apply passing and moving skills in small-sided game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to pass accurately to a teammate using correct handball technique
- Students will demonstrate creating space by moving away from defenders
- Students will successfully keep possession through passing and moving in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Soft footballs, tennis balls
Set up gates 2 metres wide throughout playing area
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
One colour per team in invasion games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball accurately to a teammate using handball technique
Moving away from defenders to find a clear area to receive the ball
When your team has control of the ball
Making your hands ready to catch the ball by holding them up
When a defender catches or stops a pass meant for the other team
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of simple team games
- Following rules and taking turns
Current Skills
- Handball passing technique with stepping forward
- Moving into space to receive passes
- Working as a team to maintain possession
Next Steps
- Shooting techniques at goal
- Defensive strategies and positioning
- Transition between attack and defence
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Handball passing technique: ball in one hand, step forward with opposite foot, throw over shoulder height
- Creating space: move away from defenders immediately after passing to receive ball in clear area
- Target hands: receivers show hands ready at chest height to give passer clear target
- Quick passing: hold ball maximum 3 seconds to maintain possession under pressure
- Team communication: call for ball and encourage teammates throughout activities
- Possession mindset: focus on keeping ball rather than always trying to score
- Defensive pressure: work as team to close down space and force poor passing decisions
Common Misconceptions
- Students think handball is played like football with feet - emphasise hand-only rules from start
- Belief that strongest throw is always best - teach accuracy and appropriate power for distance
- Assumption that standing still after passing is acceptable - reinforce immediate movement principle
- Thinking only forward passes are allowed - demonstrate backward and sideways passing options
- Misconception that defenders should always try to catch ball - teach about applying pressure instead
- Belief that possession games are less important than scoring goals - emphasise foundation skills
- Assumption that calling for ball is unnecessary - demonstrate how communication improves team play
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear breaks, immediate feedback and praise, physical activity to help focus
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, verbal cues for sequencing
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated version using chest passes, modified equipment like larger/softer balls, reduced distances for passing
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills during games, following and giving instructions, vocabulary development
Maths
Counting successful passes, measuring distances between students, calculating team scores and statistics
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory of balls, effect of exercise on heart rate and breathing
Geography
Directional language (left, right, forward, back), spatial concepts, mapping movement patterns around area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing frustration when losing possession, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of area for visibility of all students, move around during activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct passing technique, effective movement to create space, and positive team interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, if safety concerns arise, or if negative behaviour affects others
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate skills slowly first, then at game speed. Use student demonstrations when good examples are seen. Exaggerate key teaching points for visibility.
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and throw!' for passing technique
- •'Move after you pass!' to encourage creating space
- •'Target hands!' to remind receivers to create target
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles with 2m buffer zone around boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, no slippery areas or holes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated - not too hard
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate quantity of equipment to avoid sharing conflicts
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions between students during games
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
- •Over-exertion during high-intensity activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with cones to prevent running off area
- •Adequate spacing between groups to prevent interference
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
- •Monitor high-activity areas during competitive games
- •Ensure assistant/volunteer positioned to support struggling students
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately with clear signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed