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Lesson 4 - Interception and Blocking Skills

Passing to Competition

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Year 3

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we work together to create scoring opportunities while stopping the other team from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Develop interception skills to regain possession of the ball
Learn blocking techniques to prevent shots on goal
Apply tactical understanding when playing with numerical advantage or disadvantage

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved interception techniques during game situations
Students will show effective blocking skills when defending their goal
Students will work collaboratively in attack and defence, adapting to numerical situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

6-8 balls

Inflate to correct pressure, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Soft foam balls, netballs

Cones

20-30 cones

Use to mark boundaries, goal areas, and D-shapes

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Goals

3 goals

Position at opposite ends of courts, ensure stable

Alternative: Coned areas 2m wide, wall targets

Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Separate teams clearly, include goalkeeper identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Whistles

2-3 whistles

For teachers and student referees to control games

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Interception

Catching or stopping a pass intended for an opponent

Blocking

Using your body to prevent a shot from reaching the goal

Numerical advantage

Having more players than the opposing team in an area of play

D-area

The semi-circular area in front of the goal where only the goalkeeper can enter

Goal line

The line at each end of the court that players must cross to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing techniques
Understanding of the three-step rule
Simple attacking and defending concepts
Basic ball handling skills

Current Skills

Interception timing and positioning
Shot blocking techniques
Tactical awareness with numerical advantage/disadvantage
Collaborative team play in pressure situations

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations
Complex attacking patterns
Goalkeeper-specific skills
Tournament-style competitive play

Milestone Indicators

Successful interceptions leading to immediate attacking play

Consistent shot blocking without fouling

Clear communication during numerical advantage situations

Quick adaptation when numbers change during play

Key Teaching Points

Interception requires watching the passer's body language, not just the ball
Effective blocking uses whole body positioning, not just arms
Numerical advantage must be actively used through movement and communication
Quick ball movement is more effective than individual skill when under pressure
Leadership can emerge from any team member regardless of skill level
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as tactical success
Defensive skills are equally valuable as attacking skills in team success

Common Misconceptions

Thinking the best player should always be team captain - leadership comes in many forms
Believing that having more players automatically means easy victory - coordination is key
Assuming interception is just about being fast - anticipation and positioning are more important
Thinking blocking is about being aggressive - it's about smart positioning and timing
Believing that defence is boring - it can be exciting and game-changing
Thinking handball is just like other ball games - it has unique rules and tactics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and rules, regular positive feedback, physical movement outlets during instruction

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger targets and equipment, reduced complexity of tactical concepts initially

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet reflection zones available, consistent team groupings

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation, clear audio signals for game phases

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game management, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated passing versions, modified court sizes, adapted equipment (larger/lighter balls), alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting interceptions and passes, measuring court areas, calculating team advantage ratios, timing game segments

Science

Understanding forces in blocking shots, reaction times for interceptions, energy transfer in throwing and catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping court layouts

PSHE

Teamwork and collaboration, dealing with winning and losing, conflict resolution, leadership development, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe closely, position at corners for maximum court visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, fair play, leadership emergence, and skill development under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if games become too physical, if students show frustration, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good examples when possible, show tactical concepts with simple diagrams in sand/on ground

Verbal Cues

•'Quick feet, watch the passer!'
•'Use your extra player!'
•'Work together to defend!'
•'Fair play always!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space per court, multiple smaller courts for group work

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from obstacles and tripping hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cone bases are secure and not cracked
•Verify goal structures are stable and safe
•Whistles cleaned between different users

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced game play
•Ball strikes during interception attempts
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Contact when challenging for possession

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between playing areas
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Emphasis on controlled contact and fair play
•Regular hydration breaks in warm weather

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor intensity levels during competitive games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure student referees manage games safely

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious