Lesson 6 - Handball Tactics and Team Play
Individual & Team Skills
•Year 3
•Handball
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How can we work together as a team to create scoring opportunities in handball?
Learning Objectives
- Use a range of accurate passes to build attacking play and move into space in a game
- Apply defensive and attacking tactics to work together effectively as a team
- Evaluate and suggest improvements for own and others' gameplay performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate varied passing techniques in game situations
- Students will show understanding of team tactics in both attack and defence
- Students will referee games fairly and provide constructive feedback to peers
Equipment & Resources Required
Place balls around perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls or soft volleyballs for safety
Organised by colour for quick team identification
Alternative: Different coloured bands or pinnies
Mark goal areas and court boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines on hard surface
Position goals safely with adequate space behind
Alternative: Cones 2 metres apart or marked areas on wall
Easily accessible for timing game periods
Alternative: Mobile phone timer or classroom clock
Key Vocabulary
Quickly switching from defence to attack when gaining possession
Moving away from defenders to receive a pass from teammates
Working together to prevent opposition from scoring goals
Maximum three steps allowed when holding the ball before passing or shooting
Restart after a foul with defenders 3 metres away
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing techniques from previous lessons
- Understanding of basic handball rules and ball handling
- Experience of simple team games and positional play
Current Skills
- Tactical awareness in attack and defence
- Advanced passing techniques under pressure
- Team communication and leadership skills
Next Steps
- Complex tactical formations and set plays
- Advanced shooting techniques and goalkeeper skills
- Tournament play with multiple teams and strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise teamwork over individual brilliance in all tactical situations
- Ensure defensive tactics are practiced with 'big' positioning and communication
- Reinforce three-second and three-step rules consistently throughout games
- Highlight counter-attacking opportunities when possession changes occur
- Promote fair play and self-officiating as essential life skills
- Encourage creation of space through intelligent movement away from defenders
- Develop tactical awareness through questioning and reflection opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking handball is just about throwing hard - emphasise accuracy and tactics
- Believing individual skill is more important than teamwork - reinforce collective success
- Assuming defensive players should always chase the ball - teach positional defending
- Expecting immediate tactical understanding - allow time for concepts to develop through practice
- Thinking faster always means better - emphasise controlled, purposeful movement and decision-making
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear tactical roles, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, reduced court size, extra practice time for tactical concepts
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal cues for positioning, buddy system support
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for tactics, written tactical instructions available
physical disability
- Seated handball version, modified court size, adapted equipment for grip
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring systems, tournament points calculation, timing of game periods and tactical elements
Science
Heart rate changes during exercise, forces in throwing and catching, teamwork dynamics
Geography
Spatial awareness, court positioning, movement patterns and tactical formations
PSHE
Leadership skills, conflict resolution, fair play, resilience when losing games
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts during tournament play for maximum visibility and support
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical application, fair play, and safety during competitive games
Intervention Points
Step in if rules disputes arise or unsafe play develops
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Use clear, exaggerated movements for tactical concepts, show positioning
Verbal Cues
- •'Create space by moving away from defenders!'
- •'Make yourself big when defending!'
- •'Counter-attack quickly when you win the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, dry conditions, even flooring without holes or cracks
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and without damage
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Goals securely positioned with adequate space behind
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during fast-paced games
- •Slips and falls on potentially wet surfaces
- •Ball strikes to face or body during passing practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear court boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between multiple games/courts
- •Progressive skill building before competitive play
- •Non-contact rules strictly enforced
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all courts/groups
- •Monitor high-activity areas during tournament play
- •Ensure fair play and rule adherence
Emergency Procedures
Stop signal established, appropriate first aid available, clear evacuation routes