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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Catching

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 use our body position to become catching champions?

Learning Objectives

Use the ready position to catch effectively with correct body positioning
Perform underarm throws efficiently and accurately to teammates
Apply catching and throwing skills in simple game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the ready position with bent knees, hands together, and eyes tracking the ball
Students will successfully catch balls from stationary positions using correct technique
Students will execute accurate underarm throws to partners standing 2-3 metres away

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

15-20

Pre-positioned around the playing area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls, or playground balls for different skill levels

Coloured Bibs

6-8

Used to identify defenders in game activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, or different coloured shirts

Cones

8-12

Mark playing area boundaries and safe zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

The correct body position to prepare for catching - hands together like a bowl, knees bent, eyes on the ball

Underarm Throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an underhand motion

Tracking

Following the ball's movement with your eyes from the thrower to your hands

Intercepting

Stopping or catching a ball that is being passed between other players

Defender

The player trying to stop the other team from passing or scoring

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball familiarisation from Year 2
Simple throwing and catching with large balls
Understanding of personal space and following instructions

Current Skills

Ready position for catching
Two-handed catching technique
Underarm throwing with accuracy
Basic game application

Next Steps

Overarm throwing techniques
Catching while moving
Defensive positioning in games
Team tactics and communication

Milestone Indicators

Automatic adoption of ready position when ball approaches

Consistent successful catches from 3 metres distance

Accurate throws that reach partner without bouncing

Confident participation in competitive activities

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is fundamental - hands together like a bowl, knees bent, eyes on ball
Catching requires tracking the ball with eyes from thrower to hands
Underarm throwing uses opposite foot forward and smooth arm swing
Accuracy is more important than power in throwing
Communication and encouragement improve team performance
Practice makes progress - celebrate improvement over perfection
Game skills develop through applying techniques under pressure

Common Misconceptions

Students think they need to throw hard to be accurate - emphasise gentle, controlled throws
Many children close their eyes when ball approaches - stress importance of watching ball all the way
Some believe catching is just about hands - teach whole body involvement with ready position
Students may think game rules don't matter - reinforce fair play and rule adherence
Children often rush when under pressure - encourage taking time to use proper technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear boundaries marked visually, frequent positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, extra practice time for skill development, simplified movement patterns, additional verbal cues

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent routines, advance warning of activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display, peer support for communication

physical disability

Seated versions of catching practice, modified equipment (larger/lighter balls), adjusted distances, alternative roles in games

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with technical terms, communication skills during partner work, following and giving instructions

Maths

Counting consecutive catches, measuring distances between partners, calculating group scores in keep away games

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, discussing how muscles work during catching, exploring balance and coordination

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competitive activities, resilience when learning new skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter for optimal viewing of all groups, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position adoption, throwing technique, and positive interaction between students

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too forceful, students are struggling with technique, or game play becomes unfair

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for ready position, demonstrate throwing technique slowly multiple times, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Bowl hands together!'
•'Bend those knees!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Soft throws to help your partner!'
•'Step and point!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m playing area with clear boundaries and no obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones, holes, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure bibs are clean and in good condition
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball striking students in face if thrown too hard
•Collisions between students during game activities
•Slips and falls on unsuitable surfaces
•Contact between defenders and attackers in keep away game

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise gentle throwing throughout lesson
•Establish clear boundaries and safe spacing
•Reinforce no-contact rule for defenders
•Progressive skill building before competitive elements
•Continuous supervision of all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during game play
•Monitor throwing force especially during partner work
•Watch for fatigue affecting decision-making and safety
•Ensure fair play and rule adherence in competitive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if required