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Lesson 4 - Combining Passing and Shooting

Handball Basics & Tactics

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Year 4

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine passing, moving and shooting to create successful attacking opportunities in handball?

Learning Objectives

To combine passing, moving and shooting to create successful attacks
To apply effective shooting technique to score goals
To understand tactical decisions about when, where and how to shoot

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate coordinated passing, moving and shooting sequences
Students will show improved accuracy and consistency in shooting
Students will make tactical decisions to create scoring opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 4 students (8-10 balls)

Distributed around court perimeter for quick access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, soft touch balls for beginners

Goals

4-6 goals

Positioned at ends of courts, appropriate height for Year 4

Alternative: Cones with crossbar, wall targets, basketball hoops

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark court boundaries, semi-circles and zones

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines, rope boundaries

Bibs

Half class set (15 bibs)

Different colours for teams and joker identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured t-shirts

Key Vocabulary

Shooting

Throwing the ball towards the goal to score points

Attacking

When your team has possession and is trying to score

Marking

Staying close to an opponent to prevent them receiving the ball

Joker

A player who always plays for the team that has possession

Semi-circle

The curved area in front of the goal where certain rules apply

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing techniques
Understanding of possession and directional games
Simple attacking and defending concepts

Current Skills

Combining passing with movement
Shooting technique and accuracy
Creating space for scoring opportunities
Tactical decision making in attack

Next Steps

Advanced tactical combinations
Defensive strategies and marking
Goalkeeper skills and positioning
Set piece situations

Milestone Indicators

Fluid transition from passing to shooting

Consistent accuracy in shooting under pressure

Effective use of space and movement off the ball

Key Teaching Points

Pass and move immediately - don't stand still after passing
Step forward with opposite foot when shooting for power and accuracy
Use the extra player advantage in joker games to create shooting opportunities
Respect the semi-circle rule - no players allowed in the area in front of goals
Work as a team - everyone has attacking and defending responsibilities
Shoot when you have a clear opportunity - don't be afraid to try
Communicate with teammates to coordinate attacking moves

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you must always pass rather than taking shooting opportunities when available
Believing that only certain players should shoot - in handball everyone can be a shooter
Assuming that power is more important than accuracy in shooting
Not understanding that the joker switches teams every time possession changes
Thinking that defensive players don't contribute to attacks - in handball roles switch constantly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and immediate feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls initially, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps, offer additional support

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedules, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display board

physical disability

Modify to seated handball where appropriate, use lighter balls, adjust court size, provide alternative shooting targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting scores and points, calculating team totals, measuring distances for court setup, understanding angles for shooting

Science

Forces in throwing - push and pull, trajectory of ball flight, heart rate changes during exercise, energy transfer in ball movement

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness on court, mapping movement patterns, understanding of relative positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around courts to observe all groups, position at corners for optimal visibility of multiple activities

Observation Focus

Watch for skill progression, tactical understanding, safety compliance and positive interaction

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play develops, when groups struggle with tactical concepts, or if students need confidence building

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration. Involve students in demonstrations to check understanding.

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move immediately!'
•'Look for space to shoot!'
•'Use your extra player!'
•'Step into your shot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall or outdoor area, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from water, debris or protruding objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Handballs properly inflated to correct pressure
•Goals securely positioned and appropriate height
•Cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Equipment stored safely when not in use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face/head area
•Collisions between players
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Contact near goal areas

Risk Mitigation

•Clear rules about controlled throwing power
•Adequate spacing between courts and activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Semi-circle rules to prevent dangerous contact
•Immediate stop signal for unsafe behaviour

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor shooting areas for safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique
•Ensure rule compliance in competitive games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, follow school's incident reporting procedures