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Lesson 2 - Overarm and Bounce Passing

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 choose the most effective pass to help our team keep possession of the ball?

Learning Objectives

Continue to develop catching skills securely and safely
Perform overarm and two-handed bounce passes accurately
Decide which pass is most effective in different game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate secure catching technique in dynamic situations
Students will execute two new passing techniques with increasing accuracy
Students will make tactical decisions about which pass to use based on game context

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs

Game Balls

10 each type

Mixed in with handballs for differentiation activities

Alternative: Tennis balls, rugby balls, dodgeballs

Coloured Bibs

15 of each colour

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Team bands, coloured shirts

Cones

Mark playing areas and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Markers, hoops

Key Vocabulary

Overarm pass

A throwing technique where the ball is thrown from above the shoulder in a forward motion

Bounce pass

A pass where the ball bounces once on the ground before reaching the receiver

Trajectory

The path the ball travels through the air

Target

The person or area you are aiming for with your pass

Intercept

To catch or stop a pass intended for the other team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Underarm passing technique from previous lesson
Understanding of simple game rules

Current Skills

Overarm passing with accurate trajectory
Two-handed bounce passing with correct timing
Tactical awareness of pass selection

Next Steps

Passing while moving at speed
Advanced game tactics and positioning
Defending and intercepting skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching without fumbling

Passes reach intended target 8/10 times

Makes appropriate pass choice in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Overarm pass: Pull throwing arm back in line with head, swing forward and release with both feet on ground
Bounce pass: Hands spread behind ball, push from chest to floor, ball bounces halfway to receiver
Pass selection: Choose overarm for distance, bounce pass to avoid defenders, underarm for accuracy
Game awareness: Move to support teammate with ball, communicate constantly, quick decision making
Safety first: Emphasise accuracy over power, maintain spatial awareness, follow non-contact rules

Common Misconceptions

Overarm passes need maximum power - focus on technique and accuracy first
Bounce passes should bounce close to thrower - demonstrate halfway point clearly
One pass type is always best - explain situational advantages of each
Games are about winning only - emphasise skill development and enjoyment
Mistakes mean failure - frame as learning opportunities and skill development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries marked, frequent positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, reduced complexity in technique, extra practice time and patient instruction

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written task cards available

physical disability

Seated passing versions, modified distances, use of lighter balls or bean bags as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, measuring distances for optimal passing, calculating angles for accuracy

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, trajectory and gravity effects, energy transfer in catching

Geography

Direction and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding distance and scale

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, leadership and communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for visibility of all students, move between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique execution, tactical decision-making, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe practice, or need confidence building

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, show common mistakes and corrections, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Pull back, swing forward!'
•'Bounce halfway!'
•'Choose your pass!'
•'Support your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m, clear of obstacles and walls

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and not over-hard
•Ensure no damaged balls with rough surfaces
•Cones positioned safely away from activity areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or head from overarm passes
•Collisions between students during game play
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Finger injuries from catching

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise accuracy over power in all passing
•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing maintained
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving
•Non-contact rule enforced in games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting control
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess, provide appropriate first aid, and follow school procedures