Lesson 4 - Interception and Blocking Skills
Passing to Competition
•Year 3
•Handball
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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
Inflate to correct pressure, distribute around court perimeter
Alternative: Soft foam balls, netballs
Use to mark boundaries, goal areas, and D-shapes
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
Position at opposite ends of courts, ensure stable
Alternative: Coned areas 2m wide, wall targets
Separate teams clearly, include goalkeeper identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
For teachers and student referees to control games
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
Catching or stopping a pass intended for an opponent
Using your body to prevent a shot from reaching the goal
Having more players than the opposing team in an area of play
The semi-circular area in front of the goal where only the goalkeeper can enter
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
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