Lesson 2 - Overarm and Bounce Passing
Individual & Team Skills
•Year 3
•Handball
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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
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs
Mixed in with handballs for differentiation activities
Alternative: Tennis balls, rugby balls, dodgeballs
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Team bands, coloured shirts
Mark playing areas and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Markers, hoops
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the ball is thrown from above the shoulder in a forward motion
A pass where the ball bounces once on the ground before reaching the receiver
The path the ball travels through the air
The person or area you are aiming for with your pass
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
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