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Lesson 5 - Small-Sided Game Strategy

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 adapt our team strategy when we have fewer players?

Learning Objectives

To participate purposefully in small-sided handball games
To play according to agreed rules and accept referee decisions
To adapt team strategies when player numbers change

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective communication during gameplay
Students will show understanding of handball rules in practice
Students will adapt tactics when facing numerical disadvantage

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

12 (1 per 2-3 students)

Pre-positioned around court perimeters for quick access

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, netballs for catching practice

Tennis Balls

30-40

Placed in central hoop for warm-up activity

Alternative: Bean bags, small playground balls

Cones

20-30

Create team bases, goals, and passing markers

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Hoops

4-6

Central collection point and team storage areas

Alternative: Upturned cones, buckets, or marked circles

Bibs

24 (4 different colours)

Clearly identify teams in tournament format

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Stopwatch

Visible timing for game segments and transitions

Alternative: Phone timer, wall clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Small-sided game

A game played with fewer players than full teams, allowing more touches and involvement

Adaptation

Changing your strategy or approach based on new circumstances

Referee

The person who enforces the rules and makes decisions during a game

Numerical disadvantage

Having fewer players than the opposing team

Communication

Sharing information clearly with teammates to improve teamwork

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball skills (passing, catching, shooting)
Understanding of 3-second and 3-step rules
Experience in 4v3 game situations

Current Skills

Small-sided game participation
Team adaptation strategies
Effective communication in games

Next Steps

Advanced tactical awareness
Leadership in competitive situations
Complex game adaptations

Milestone Indicators

Demonstrates clear communication during games

Adapts play when team composition changes

Shows respect for rules and referees

Key Teaching Points

Communication must be maintained even under competitive pressure
Numerical disadvantage requires creative tactical solutions
Respect for peer referees develops leadership and authority acceptance
Tournament format allows success at all ability levels
Self-assessment skills develop metacognitive awareness
Fair play is more important than winning in all situations
Adaptation skills transfer beyond physical education contexts

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Only the loudest communication is effective. Correction: Clear, specific communication is more valuable than volume
Misconception: Teams with fewer players cannot win. Correction: Tactical advantages can overcome numerical disadvantages
Misconception: Peer referees should be lenient with friends. Correction: Fair refereeing helps everyone improve and shows respect
Misconception: Lower league games are less important. Correction: Every game offers opportunities for improvement and success
Misconception: Self-assessment should always be positive. Correction: Honest self-evaluation leads to genuine improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game segments with breaks, clear role definitions, movement opportunities, regular positive feedback and refocusing cues

dyspraxia

Simplified rule set initially, extra practice time with ball handling, larger targets, emphasis on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Clear game structure and timing, visual schedule of tournament progression, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines between games

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of court layouts, buddy system for navigation, audio signals for game timing

hearing impairment

Visual referee signals, written game instructions, clear visual start/stop signals, positioning near teacher for lip reading

physical disability

Modified court sizes, seated handball variations, adjusted rules for mobility limitations, alternative roles such as official scorekeeper

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, time management across multiple games, statistical analysis of wins/losses across leagues

Science

Heart rate changes during competitive activity, effects of adrenaline on performance, recovery time between games

Geography

World Cup, Champions League concepts relating to international competition, mapping team movements between courts

PSHE

Teamwork under pressure, dealing with disappointment, leadership through peer refereeing, respect for authority figures

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between courts during tournament to observe all teams, position near World Cup court for highest intensity games

Observation Focus

Communication effectiveness during pressure moments, tactical adaptation between games, sportsmanship and respect for referees

Intervention Points

Step in if rules are being ignored consistently, support struggling peer referees, address unsporting behaviour immediately

Demonstration Notes

Use brief moments between games to demonstrate improved tactics, show examples of excellent communication from specific students, model respect for all referees

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your teammates!'
•'Remember the 3-second rule!'
•'Great adaptation team!'
•'Respect the referee's decision!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 20m for multiple courts, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, adequate cushioning

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Handballs correctly inflated and in good condition
•Cones stable and without sharp edges
•Bibs/bands not too tight causing restriction

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Overexertion during tournament play
•Frustration leading to poor behaviour
•Injuries from handball contact

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate safety zones
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament
•Emphasis on fair play and respect
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Teacher monitoring of fatigue and emotional states

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all courts during tournament
•Extra attention during competitive moments
•Monitor peer referees for confidence and safety
•Watch for signs of overexertion or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess injury severity, apply first aid if trained, seek additional help if needed, ensure other students are safe and supervised