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Lesson 1 - Passing and Receiving

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 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

Handballs

1 per pair (15)

Place balls around the edge of the playing area for easy collection

Alternative: Foam balls, small footballs, bean bags

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones

Set up gates (2 cones 2m apart) scattered around the area

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, hoops

Bibs

6 different colours

Use to distinguish teams during group activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team strips

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder pass

A throwing technique with the ball held high above the shoulder, stepping forward into the pass

Target

Making your hands ready and visible for your teammate to aim at when passing

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Space

An empty area on the court where you can move to receive the ball

Intercepting

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

Consistent accurate passes over 5+ metres

Quick movement into space immediately after passing

Clear communication with teammates during possession

Understanding of why accuracy is important in games

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