Lesson 1 - Passing & Receiving Skills
Handball Basics & Tactics
•Year 4
•Handball
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How can we use accurate passing and clever movement to keep possession and win games of handball?
Learning Objectives
- To refine passing and receiving techniques using correct handball form
- To apply passing and moving skills to maintain possession in game situations
- To understand tactical decisions about when, where and why to pass
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent overarm passing technique
- Students will create and move into space to receive passes
- Students will make tactical decisions to maintain possession and score points
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in mesh bags at corners of playing area
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for reduced impact
Mark boundaries, endzones, and starting positions
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
One colour per team for easy identification
Alternative: Wristbands, different coloured balls
For setting up regulation distances and boundaries
Alternative: Pre-marked court lines
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with arm high above shoulder, stepping forward into the pass
Moving away from defenders to find areas where you can receive the ball safely
Having control of the ball as a team
When the defending team catches or wins the ball from the attacking team
The area or person you are aiming to pass to
The scoring area at each end of the handball court
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching from Year 3
- Understanding of simple invasion game principles
- Experience with cage ball and team games
Current Skills
- Overarm passing technique with stepping action
- Creating and using space tactically
- Maintaining possession through passing combinations
Next Steps
- Advanced handball tactics and set plays
- Defending strategies and interception skills
- Tournament play with complex rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm passing technique with high arm position and forward step
- Creating space through movement away from defenders
- Making clear targets when receiving passes
- Understanding possession as a team responsibility
- Quick transition between attacking and defending roles
- Tactical awareness of when and where to pass
- Teamwork and communication during game play
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking handball is played like basketball with dribbling
- Believing stronger throws are always better than accurate ones
- Assuming you must throw immediately when receiving the ball
- Not understanding that defence can quickly become attack
- Thinking only the biggest/strongest students can be good at handball
- Believing you must always pass to the closest teammate
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, frequent position changes, hands-on demonstrations
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedules, consistent routines, quiet zones for breaks, predictable game structures
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance, audio signals for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Seated handball variations, modified throwing distances, lightweight balls, adapted catching positions
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful passes, measuring distances for team areas, calculating scores and statistics
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory and accuracy, body systems response to exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around playing area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, communication and leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position at corners for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing technique, safe catching, appropriate game intensity, and positive interactions
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, when students are struggling with concepts, or if behaviour issues arise
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for technique teaching, exaggerate key points, repeat demonstrations as needed, use student helpers for examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Arm high, step forward!'
- •'Make a target with your hands!'
- •'Find the space away from defenders!'
- •'Great teamwork, keep talking!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m playing area, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from debris, cracks, or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify bibs are clean and appropriate size
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impact injuries from poor catching or hard throwing
- •Collisions between players during games
- •Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate run-off space
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Appropriate ball size and weight for age group
- •Regular breaks and intensity monitoring
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor game intensity and player fatigue
- •Watch for appropriate technique to prevent injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required