Lesson 5 - Defending and Marking Skills
Handball Basics & Tactics
•Year 4
•Handball
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How can we work as a team to win the ball back and prevent the opposition from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To understand and apply the concept of marking when defending
- To explore different ways to regain possession without making contact
- To apply defensive tactics in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective 1v1 marking without contact
- Students will understand when and why to mark opponents
- Students will apply defensive pressure in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for beginners
Various colours for different zones and target markers
Alternative: Spots or bean bags
Two contrasting colours for easy team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or different coloured t-shirts
Positioned at each end of playing areas
Alternative: Cones arranged as goals or wall targets
For clear start/stop signals and rule infringements
Alternative: Voice commands or hand signals
Key Vocabulary
Staying close to an opponent to prevent them from receiving or playing the ball effectively
Applying defensive force to make the attacker uncomfortable without fouling
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
Rule stating a player cannot hold the ball for more than 3 seconds without playing it
Restart given to opposition when defending team commits a foul
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing and catching skills
- Understanding of ball possession
- Simple game rules and boundaries
Current Skills
- Individual marking techniques
- Defensive positioning and movement
- Pressure application without contact
Next Steps
- Team defensive strategies
- Interception techniques
- Advanced defensive communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Marking means staying close to one opponent without making physical contact
- Defenders should position between their player and the goal/target
- The 3-second rule can be used tactically by applying good defensive pressure
- Quick transitions between attacking and defending are essential in handball
- Communication between teammates is crucial for effective team defence
- Celebrating defensive successes is as important as celebrating goals
- Watching the opponent's waist gives better movement cues than watching feet
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking marking involves grabbing or holding opponents - emphasise no contact rule
- Believing defence is less important than attack - celebrate defensive successes equally
- Assuming marking only applies to the player with the ball - teach off-ball marking
- Not understanding when to start defending - teach immediate transition on possession loss
- Thinking close marking means crowding - teach appropriate defensive distance
- Focusing only on ball winner rather than pressure application - praise making attackers work harder
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular feedback, use clear boundaries, allow for movement breaks between activities
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns initially, use larger equipment, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller components
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routines and expectations, use visual schedule, offer quiet break areas, give advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for guidance, use tactile markers
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions, ensure student can see teacher's face, use vibrant hand signals
physical disability
- Adapt marking to seated position if needed, modify movement requirements, use larger balls or targets, adjust court size
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting 3-second violations, measuring distances for marking, understanding angles of movement and positioning
Science
Understanding reaction times, forces in movement, body systems responding to exercise, physics of ball movement
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around court
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, respect for rules and opponents, managing emotions during competition, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility of all students, move between groups during practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct marking technique, appropriate distance maintenance, no physical contact, effective transitions
Intervention Points
Step in if physical contact occurs, if students become frustrated, if safety is compromised, if understanding is unclear
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, show both correct technique and common mistakes for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Stay close but don't touch!'
- •'Watch their waist, not their feet!'
- •'Quick transition - defend now!'
- •'Count those three seconds!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, indoor sports hall or large classroom
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate footwear worn
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Handballs properly inflated and checked for damage
- •Cones placed securely without sharp edges
- •Goals/targets stable and appropriately sized
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during marking practice
- •Overly physical contact during defending
- •Trips over equipment or other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Emphasis on no-contact rule throughout lesson
- •Adequate spacing between practice groups
- •Regular reminders about spatial awareness
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during practice
- •Move between games during application phase
- •Watch for signs of frustration or overly competitive behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply first aid if qualified, seek additional help if needed