Lesson 3 - Passing and Moving in Handball
Ball Skills & Tactics
•Year 3
•Handball
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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
Distribute balls to each playing area before lesson starts
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for indoor use
Use to mark playing areas, boundaries, and endzones
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Different colours for attackers and defenders in each activity
Alternative: Coloured bands or bands
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball from shoulder height with one hand, keeping elbow high
An empty area on the court where you can move to receive a pass safely
When your team has control of the ball
A player from the opposing team trying to win the ball back
A player on the team with possession trying to keep the ball or score
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
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