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Big Question

How can we combine passing, moving and shooting to score points in handball?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop accurate shooting technique using prior passing skills
  • To understand where, when and why to shoot to increase scoring chances
  • To combine passing and moving to create shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate accurate shooting technique with appropriate power and placement
  • Students will create shooting opportunities through effective passing and movement
  • Students will understand tactical decisions about when and where to shoot

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs
1 per pair (15)

Distribute around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, tennis balls for younger students

Cones
24 (6 per goal)

Mark four goals and corner targets

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, small hoops

Bibs
15 (one set)

For distinguishing teams in final activity

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Posts
8 posts (2 per goal)

Create 4 goals around square playing area

Alternative: Cones, benches turned on side

Key Vocabulary

Shooting

Throwing the ball towards the goal with power and accuracy to score points

Target Practice

Aiming at specific areas of the goal to improve accuracy

Creating Space

Moving to find a clear shooting position away from defenders

Drawing the Goalkeeper

Moving to one side to make the goalkeeper move, creating space on the other side

Shooting Opportunity

A moment when you have a clear chance to shoot at the goal

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic handball passing technique from previous lessons
  • Understanding of moving to receive a pass
  • Awareness of attacking and defending roles

Current Skills

  • Shooting technique with power and accuracy
  • Creating shooting opportunities through movement
  • Tactical understanding of when and where to shoot

Next Steps

  • Shooting under increased defensive pressure
  • Team attacking patterns with multiple players
  • Goalkeeping techniques and positioning

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accuracy when shooting without pressure
2
Successful scoring against a goalkeeper
3
Creating space through deceptive movement

Key Teaching Points

  • Shooting technique builds directly on passing skills with added power
  • Accuracy is more important than power - corners score more points
  • Creating space through movement is essential before shooting
  • Tactical awareness of when and where to shoot develops through practice
  • Peer coaching develops both technical understanding and communication skills
  • Progressive challenges help students apply skills under increasing pressure
  • Reflection and explanation consolidate both practical and theoretical learning

Common Misconceptions

  • Shooting is just about throwing hard - correct by emphasising accuracy first
  • Any position is good for shooting - teach about clear sight lines and angles
  • Goalkeepers always know where you'll shoot - introduce deception and movement
  • Individual skill is more important than teamwork - emphasise creating opportunities together
  • Missing shots means failure - reframe as learning opportunities and celebrate attempts

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity periods, clear movement boundaries, frequent positive feedback and encouragement
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of goal positions, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations of techniques, hand signals for instructions, written coaching tips
physical disability
  • Adapted throwing techniques for limited mobility, seated shooting practice, modified goal sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores and points systems, measuring shooting distances, understanding angles of shots

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, muscle groups used in shooting

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement around playing area

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, giving constructive feedback, resilience when shots don't succeed

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the perimeter to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch shooting technique, partner cooperation, tactical understanding, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, cooperation breaks down, or tactical understanding needs clarification

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, position where all students can see, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues
  • •'Step forward for power!'
  • •'Aim for the corners!'
  • •'Create space first!'
  • •'Work together!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 20m square playing area, clear of obstacles with 2m safety buffer around perimeter

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and throwing movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check handballs are properly inflated and have no damage
  • •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • •Verify goal posts are stable and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball strikes to face/head from powerful shots
  • •Collisions during movement activities
  • •Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
  • •Overexertion during shooting practice
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear no-entry zones around goals established
  • •Adequate spacing between different shooting areas
  • •Progressive skill building from low to high intensity
  • •Clear sight lines maintained for all shooting

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all four goal areas
  • •Monitor high-activity shooting zones closely
  • •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if any injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid or call for medical support