Lesson 1 - Javelin Passing & Catching
Passing to Competition
•Year 3
•Handball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use javelin passing and movement to create attacking opportunities in handball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate javelin-style passing technique
- To catch a handball while moving into space
- To understand basic attacking and defending principles in handball
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved javelin passing accuracy and catching technique
- Students will show understanding of movement patterns in attack and defence
- Students will apply passing and catching skills in small-sided game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Place balls around the perimeter of the working area for easy collection
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs, or foam balls for less confident catchers
Use to mark boundaries, distances, and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
For timing activities and challenges
Alternative: Smartphone timer or class clock
For capturing video evidence of student progress in assessment
Alternative: Written observation notes
Key Vocabulary
A one-handed throwing technique where the ball is launched overhead like a javelin
Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready to receive
Hand position where thumbs and fingers form a 'W' shape to catch the ball
Gentle catching technique that cushions the ball's impact
Strategic positioning and running when not in possession to create passing opportunities
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and grip techniques
- Simple catching and throwing with two hands
- Understanding of personal space and basic cooperation
Current Skills
- Javelin-style passing technique with one hand
- Catching while moving and 'on the full'
- Basic attacking and defending movement patterns
Next Steps
- Shooting techniques and accuracy
- Dribbling and ball control on the move
- More complex game tactics and positional play
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Javelin passing requires opposite foot forward and full follow-through
- Ready position with weight on balls of feet and W-shaped hands is crucial for catching
- Movement off the ball creates opportunities for teammates
- Clear hand signals improve team communication and passing accuracy
- Soft hands technique prevents drops and allows for better ball control
- Tactical understanding develops through applying skills in game situations
- Self-assessment helps students understand their own progress and areas for improvement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking javelin passing is just throwing hard - emphasise technique over power
- Believing catching is just about hand position - highlight footwork and body positioning
- Assuming standing still after passing is helpful - stress continuous movement
- Thinking only individual skills matter - emphasise teamwork and tactical awareness
- Believing faster always means better - focus on accuracy and control first
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Short, varied activities with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in initial stages, extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Clear activity structure and timing, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with bells inside, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, assign sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written activity cards, ensure good visibility of teacher instructions
physical disability
- Seated throwing and catching activities, modified distances, use of wheelchair-accessible equipment and spaces
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive passes, measuring 10-metre distances, timing 30-second challenges, scoring and comparing points
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory of ball flight, body systems during exercise, reaction times
Geography
Directional language (left, right, forward, back), spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around the court
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition, encouraging others, resilience when learning new skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of area for visibility of all groups, move between activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for technique development, teamwork, safety, and engagement levels
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or game becomes too competitive
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Step forward with opposite foot!'
- •'Show me your W hands!'
- •'Move after you pass!'
- •'Soft hands for catching!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 20m clear area, preferably indoor hall or outdoor hard court
Surface Check
Clean, dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Remove any damaged equipment immediately
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body during passing
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on potentially slippery surfaces
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between groups
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
- •Emphasis on controlled passing rather than power
- •Clear communication protocols during games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all students and activities
- •Monitor spacing between groups during warm-up activities
- •Watch for appropriate intensity and contact levels during games
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid and seek additional support if needed