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Lesson 6 - Handball Tactics and Team Play

Individual & Team Skills

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Year 3

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Handball

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Big Question

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

Handballs

1 per pair (15)

Place balls around perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls or soft volleyballs for safety

Coloured Bibs

4 sets of 7 bibs

Organised by colour for quick team identification

Alternative: Different coloured bands or pinnies

Cones

22 cones

Mark goal areas and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines on hard surface

Goals

4-6 goals

Position goals safely with adequate space behind

Alternative: Cones 2 metres apart or marked areas on wall

Stopwatch

Easily accessible for timing game periods

Alternative: Mobile phone timer or classroom clock

Key Vocabulary

Counter-attack

Quickly switching from defence to attack when gaining possession

Creating space

Moving away from defenders to receive a pass from teammates

Defending as a team

Working together to prevent opposition from scoring goals

Three-step rule

Maximum three steps allowed when holding the ball before passing or shooting

Free throw

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

Consistently chooses appropriate pass for situation

Communicates effectively with teammates during play

Demonstrates understanding of space and positioning

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