Lesson 1 - Passing and Receiving
Ball Skills & Tactics
•Year 3
•Handball
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How can we outwit defenders by passing accurately and moving cleverly to keep possession of the ball?
Learning Objectives
- To introduce and develop accurate passing and receiving skills in handball
- To understand the importance of movement and positioning when attacking
- To demonstrate teamwork and communication when keeping possession
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to perform a shoulder pass with correct technique
- Students will understand how to create and move into space to receive the ball
- Students will work as a team to keep possession through accurate passing
Equipment & Resources Required
Place balls around the edge of the playing area for easy collection
Alternative: Foam balls, small footballs, bean bags
Set up gates (2 cones 2m apart) scattered around the area
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops
Use to distinguish teams during group activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, team strips
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique with the ball held high above the shoulder, stepping forward into the pass
Making your hands ready and visible for your teammate to aim at when passing
When your team has control of the ball
An empty area on the court where you can move to receive the ball
When the defending team catches or stops the ball during a pass
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Ability to follow instructions and work in groups
Current Skills
- Shoulder pass technique with stepping forward
- Creating target with hands for receiving
- Moving into space without the ball
- Basic attacking positioning and teamwork
Next Steps
- Defending skills and intercepting passes
- More complex passing under pressure
- Understanding of when and where to pass
- Introduction to shooting and goalkeeping
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Shoulder pass technique: high ball position, opposite foot step forward, snap and follow through
- Creating targets: hands up, fingers spread, clear communication with passers
- Movement after passing: immediate relocation to create new passing options for team
- Accuracy over power: controlled passing appropriate for distance and conditions
- Team communication: constant talking to help teammates and organise attacks
- Fair defending: challenging for the ball without excessive physical contact
- Resilience: continuing to try after mistakes and supporting teammates who struggle
Common Misconceptions
- Students think passing harder makes it more accurate - teach controlled power appropriate for distance
- Believing standing still makes catching easier - emphasise movement creates better passing angles
- Thinking handball is like football with hands - explain unique rules and techniques
- Assuming bigger steps always improve passing - teach appropriate step size for balance and power
- Believing defending means being aggressive - teach positioning and timing over physical contact
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use frequent positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment initially, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign supportive partners for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for key commands
physical disability
- Adapt to seated passing versions, use larger/lighter balls, modify distances and targets as needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful passes, measuring distances for passing, calculating team scores and percentages
Science
Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, exploring energy transfer during throwing
Geography
Using directional language (left, right, forward, backward), spatial awareness and mapping movement
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move constantly around the area to observe all pairs/groups, position at corner for whole-class demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct shoulder pass technique, appropriate movement into space, positive team interaction
Intervention Points
Step in if defending becomes too physical, support students struggling with technique, redirect focus if attention wanes
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate technique in slow motion first, then full speed. Use students to demonstrate good examples. Break down complex skills into smaller parts.
Verbal Cues
- •'High ball, step forward, snap and follow through!'
- •'Create a target with your hands!'
- •'Pass and move immediately!'
- •'Look for space to help your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 30m area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from debris, suitable for running and catching
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify adequate ball-to-student ratio to prevent sharing conflicts
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face/head during passing practice
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on playing surface
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach safe catching technique with eyes on ball
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement rules
- •Emphasise controlled passing power appropriate for distance
- •Regular hydration breaks and fatigue monitoring
- •Clear instructions for defender behaviour in games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during partner work
- •Monitor defending intensity in game situations
- •Watch for students struggling with catching and provide support
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate competitive behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with whistle blast, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if medical attention needed