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Lesson 3 - Passing and Moving in Handball

Ball Skills & Tactics

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Year 3

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use accurate passing and clever movement to outwit defenders and keep possession of the ball?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate passing techniques using shoulder passes
To understand how to move into space to receive a pass
To apply passing and moving skills in game situations with defenders

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in handball passing
Students will show understanding of moving into space away from defenders
Students will successfully apply passing and moving skills in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 6 students (5 balls total)

Distribute balls to each playing area before lesson starts

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for indoor use

Cones

20-30 cones

Use to mark playing areas, boundaries, and endzones

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Bibs

15 bibs (3 different colours)

Different colours for attackers and defenders in each activity

Alternative: Coloured bands or bands

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder Pass

Throwing the ball from shoulder height with one hand, keeping elbow high

Space

An empty area on the court where you can move to receive a pass safely

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Defender

A player from the opposing team trying to win the ball back

Attacker

A player on the team with possession trying to keep the ball or score

Intercept

When a defender catches or takes the ball away from the attacking team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space
Experience of working in small teams

Current Skills

Shoulder passing technique in handball
Moving into space to receive passes
Working with and against opponents
Transitioning between attack and defence

Next Steps

More complex passing patterns
Advanced defensive strategies
Full handball game understanding
Leadership roles in team games

Milestone Indicators

Accurate passes completed under pressure

Effective movement to create passing opportunities

Quick transitions between attack and defence

Collaborative team play throughout activities

Key Teaching Points

Shoulder passes must start at shoulder height with high elbow for accuracy and safety
Movement after passing is crucial - 'pass and move' prevents static play
Creating space means moving away from defenders, not toward them
Defending means pressuring without contact - position and presence, not physical intervention
Quick transitions between attack and defence roles develop game understanding
Teamwork and communication are as important as individual skills
Accurate passing is more valuable than powerful throwing in handball

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Throwing harder makes passes better' - Reality: Accuracy and technique are more important than power
Misconception: 'Good players should always have the ball' - Reality: Moving without the ball creates opportunities for the team
Misconception: 'Defenders should try to take the ball away physically' - Reality: Positioning and pressure are more effective and safer
Misconception: 'Standing close to teammates helps the team' - Reality: Spreading out creates more passing options and space
Misconception: 'Winning is the most important thing' - Reality: Learning skills and fair play matter most at this age

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, frequent movement opportunities, positive behaviour reinforcement, regular refocusing strategies

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, slower demonstrations, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns, peer support partnerships

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual activity schedules, quiet zones available, consistent rules and expectations, sensory break options

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, consistent positioning of equipment

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated throwing practice, modified throwing techniques, adjusted playing areas, adapted equipment like larger or lighter balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring playing areas, calculating team scores, understanding angles for passing

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory of ball flight, heart rate changes during exercise, muscles used in handball

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success, building confidence through achievement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all playing areas, moving around to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique, safe play, positive interactions, and skill progression

Intervention Points

Step in when safety rules are broken, technique needs immediate correction, or conflicts arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration. Include students in demonstrations when possible to show variety. Always emphasise safety aspects of each skill.

Verbal Cues

•'Shoulder passes only - protect your teammates!'
•'Move to space, away from defenders!'
•'Pass and move - don't be a statue!'
•'Gentle pressure, no contact!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear area, with additional space around boundaries for overruns

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips and falls during direction changes
•Over-stretching during cool-down

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise shoulder passes only - no overhead throwing
•Establish clear boundaries and no-contact rules
•Ensure adequate spacing between playing areas
•Teach proper movement technique to avoid falls
•Supervise stretching to prevent over-extension

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all playing areas simultaneously
•Move around teaching area to monitor all groups
•Pay special attention during transitions between activities
•Watch for fatigue affecting decision-making

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, follow school protocols for serious injuries