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Lesson 6 - Handball Tournament

Handball Basics & Tactics

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Year 4

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we apply all our handball skills in competitive game situations?

Learning Objectives

To apply passing, moving and shooting skills in competitive handball games
To demonstrate effective attacking and defending transitions during match play
To collaborate effectively as a team and show respect for opponents and officials

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply handball techniques in competitive tournament matches
Students will demonstrate fluid transitions between attacking and defending roles
Students will work collaboratively in teams while showing respect for opponents

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

6-8 balls

Distributed around courts, spare balls available

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, foam balls for modified games

Goals

2-4 goals (depending on court setup)

Position goals at opposite ends of courts with clear goal areas

Alternative: Cones with tape across, wall targets, hoops on stands

Cones

20-30 cones

Mark court boundaries, goal areas, and team zones

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines

Bibs

5 sets of different colours (6 bibs per set)

Each team has distinct colour, goalkeepers have different colour

Alternative: Coloured bands, pinnies, team armbands

Tournament Brackets

1 per group/court

Prepared round robin fixture list and points table

Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboard with paper

Stopwatch

1-2 timers

Visible to all players, used for game duration

Alternative: Phone timer, PE department stopwatch

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where multiple teams play against each other to determine a winner

Round Robin

A tournament format where each team plays against every other team once

Transition

The quick change from attacking to defending or defending to attacking when possession changes

Tactics

Planned strategies and decisions made to help a team be successful

Fair Play

Playing according to rules while showing respect for opponents and officials

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Moving into space to receive passes
Basic shooting technique and accuracy
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Knowledge of handball rules and court positions

Current Skills

Applying all handball skills in competitive tournament format
Managing team tactics and strategy during games
Transitioning fluidly between attack and defence
Working under competitive pressure while maintaining fair play

Next Steps

Advanced handball tactics and set plays
Developing specialist positions and roles
Understanding advanced rules and officiating
Inter-school competitive opportunities

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of skills under pressure

Effective team collaboration and communication

Positive sporting behaviour throughout competition

Ability to adapt tactics based on game situations

Key Teaching Points

Tournament format brings together all handball unit learning in competitive context
Equal emphasis on skill application and sporting values throughout competition
Progressive tournament structure allows all teams to experience success and challenge
Continuous assessment opportunities across all learning domains during matches
Celebration of effort, improvement and sporting behaviour alongside competitive results
Development of resilience and character through competitive challenge
Application of tactical understanding developed throughout handball unit

Common Misconceptions

Thinking winning is more important than fair play and sporting behaviour
Believing only the tournament winners have been successful in the lesson
Assuming competitive pressure means abandoning learned skills and techniques
Focusing only on attacking play and neglecting defensive responsibilities during matches
Not understanding that tournament completion represents culmination of all unit learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries and structure, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between matches if needed

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls if needed, modified court sizes, extra practice time before tournament begins

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explained in advance, quiet zone available during breaks, predictable routines throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, clear verbal cues for match situations, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual signals for match start/stop, clear visual demonstration of rules, written tournament sheets and results

physical disability

Modified court sizes, seated handball variations, adapted goalkeeper equipment, alternative roles as scorer/timekeeper

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Team communication, instructions during play, expressing tactics and strategies, reflection and evaluation

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, points tables, calculating win percentages, time management during matches

Science

Understanding energy systems during prolonged activity, effects of competition on heart rate and breathing

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, understanding of zones and territories in team games

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with winning and losing, resilience under pressure, respect for others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with visibility of all courts, move between courts to monitor different matches

Observation Focus

Skill application under pressure, team cooperation, sporting behaviour, safety throughout competition

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, poor sporting behaviour, or significant tactical teaching moments

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate excellent sporting values throughout, provide positive reinforcement for effort and fair play

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and move!'
•'Quick transition!'
•'Support your teammates!'
•'Great sporting behaviour!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Multiple courts minimum 15m x 10m each, clear boundaries between courts to prevent collisions

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, goal areas clearly marked and safe

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Goals securely positioned and stable
•Handballs properly inflated and in good condition
•Cones and markers positioned safely without sharp edges
•First aid kit accessible throughout tournament

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive play
•Falls when reaching for saves or shots
•Impact injuries from handball shots
•Fatigue-related injuries during extended tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established to prevent overlap
•Adequate rest periods between matches
•Progressive tournament format building intensity gradually
•Continuous monitoring of competitive behaviour
•Emphasis on fair play and safety throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts simultaneously
•Monitor intensity levels and manage competitive emotions
•Watch for fatigue and overexertion during tournament
•Intervene immediately for any unsafe play or behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, appropriate first aid response, clear evacuation routes maintained throughout tournament