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Lesson 5 - Attacking Positions & Movement

Individual & Team Skills

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Year 3

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together as a team to create gaps in the defence and score goals?

Learning Objectives

Use attacking positions to exploit gaps in the defence and attack as a team
Use effective passing and movement as a team to create chances to score
Move quickly as a team up the pitch to counterattack opponents

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective positioning to create attacking opportunities
Students will execute coordinated team movements with purposeful passing
Students will transition quickly from defence to attack using space effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

8-10 balls

Distributed around playing area perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Foam balls, small footballs for easier catching

Coloured Bibs

3 different colours, 10 of each

Organised by colour for quick team identification

Alternative: Different coloured shirts, bandanas, or team markers

Cones

22 cones

Mark playing areas, goal zones, and no-go areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Goals

4-6 goals

Position at ends of playing areas with clear no-go zones

Alternative: Cones as goalposts, wall targets, or hoops

Key Vocabulary

Attacking position

Where players position themselves to create scoring opportunities and support teammates

Exploit gaps

Taking advantage of spaces in the defence where opponents are not positioned

Counterattack

Quickly moving from defence to attack when your team wins the ball

Overload

Having more attacking players than defenders in a particular area

No-go zone

The area around the goal where only the goalkeeper is allowed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing techniques (underarm, overarm, bounce)
Understanding of the three-step rule
Basic defensive positioning concepts

Current Skills

Attacking positioning to exploit defensive gaps
Coordinated team movement and passing
Quick transition from defence to attack

Next Steps

Advanced attacking formations and set plays
Complex passing combinations under pressure
Strategic positioning for different game situations

Milestone Indicators

Creates space consistently through movement

Makes purposeful passes that advance team position

Recognises and exploits defensive weaknesses

Key Teaching Points

Spacing creates gaps - emphasise the importance of spreading out rather than clustering around the ball
Communication is crucial - encourage constant talking between teammates to coordinate movements
Use numerical advantage wisely - help students understand how to exploit 5v4 situations effectively
Patient build-up play - discourage rushing and encourage working for good scoring opportunities
Respect no-go zones - ensure clear understanding and consistent application of goal area rules
Positive transition between roles - maintain enthusiasm when switching between attacking and defending
Apply learning progressively - build from simple gap creation to complex attacking patterns

Common Misconceptions

More players around the ball means better attack - correct by demonstrating how spreading out creates more options
Fastest route to goal is always best - teach patience and working for better opportunities
Only the person with ball matters - emphasise importance of off-ball movement and positioning
Defenders can't be beaten - show how good positioning and passing can create scoring chances
Louder communication is better - teach clear, specific communication rather than just shouting

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, regular movement breaks and positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment for easier handling, reduce complexity of movements, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright contrasting coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of spatial setup, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Modify rules to allow seated play, use larger lighter balls, adjust throwing distances, provide mobility support as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following and giving instructions, using vocabulary accurately, communicating effectively with teammates

Maths

Counting passes in sequences, measuring distances between players, understanding angles for shooting and passing

Science

Forces in throwing and catching, body systems during exercise, physics of ball flight and trajectory

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping, directions and positions, understanding area and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between playing areas to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for spacing concepts, safe play, effective communication, and skill application

Intervention Points

Step in if students clustering around ball, unsafe play developing, or teams becoming frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show spacing clearly, involve students in demonstrations, point out successful examples during games

Verbal Cues

•'Spread out like a net!'
•'Find the gaps!'
•'Where's your space?'
•'Talk to your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, with additional space for multiple games

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles, wet patches, or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are correctly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify goals are stable and securely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during dynamic movement
•Falls due to rapid direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Overexertion during intense game phases

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing between different game areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Regular hydration breaks during longer activities
•Emphasise controlled movement and safe play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Move around to monitor different groups closely
•Pay particular attention to goal areas where contact is more likely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact office if serious injury