Lesson 4 - Interception and Blocking Skills
Skills & Tactics Progression
•Year 4
•Handball
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How can we work as a team to create scoring opportunities while defending effectively against our opponents?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to intercept passes and read game situations
- To understand and apply blocking techniques when defending shots
- To demonstrate tactical awareness when playing with numerical advantage or disadvantage
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully intercept passes using appropriate body positioning and timing
- Students will demonstrate effective blocking techniques to prevent goals
- Students will show understanding of how to use extra players or compensate for numerical disadvantage
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep spare balls around court perimeter
Alternative: Size 1 footballs, netballs for lighter option
Various colours for different areas and goals
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
Positioned at each end of playing areas
Alternative: Cones 2m apart, bench on its side
Clearly distinguish teams during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops
For assessment evidence collection
Alternative: Digital camera, observation sheets
Key Vocabulary
To catch or stop the ball before it reaches its intended target
To use your body or hands to stop a shot from reaching the goal
Having more players than the opposing team in a particular area
To apply defensive force to make attacking more difficult
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing and catching skills
- Understanding of the 3-step rule
- Experience playing small-sided handball games
Current Skills
- Interception techniques and timing
- Defensive blocking positions and movements
- Tactical awareness in numerical situations
Next Steps
- Advanced defensive formations and systems
- Complex attacking patterns with overloads
- Tournament play with official rules
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Interception requires reading the game and anticipating, not just reacting to the ball
- Effective blocking uses whole body positioning, not just hands
- Numerical advantages only work if teams spread out and use width
- Defensive pressure should be controlled and focused on ball carrier
- Transition from defence to attack should be immediate and purposeful
- Communication is essential for both attacking and defending effectively
- Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as tactical understanding
Common Misconceptions
- That defenders should always dive at the ball rather than position themselves strategically
- That having extra players automatically guarantees success without tactical awareness
- That blocking requires aggressive contact rather than good positioning
- That interception is just about being fast rather than reading the game
- That the team with fewer players cannot compete effectively with good tactics
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback and praise, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time for skill development
autism spectrum
- Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available for breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of tactical setups, buddy system for positioning
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for tactical instructions, visual cards for game rules
physical disability
- Adapted equipment (lighter balls), modified rules for participation, focus on tactical understanding role
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating numerical advantages (4v3 ratios), measuring court dimensions, timing game periods
Science
Understanding forces in blocking shots, reaction times in interception, biomechanics of defensive positioning
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions in game situations
PSHE
Leadership skills during tactical discussions, resilience when facing numerical disadvantage, teamwork and cooperation
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position at court side during games for best overview
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical understanding, defensive timing, and positive teamwork interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if defensive contact becomes too aggressive or if tactical understanding needs support
Demonstration Notes
Use students as examples when possible, emphasise key coaching points through clear physical demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Read their eyes and shoulders!'
- •'Use your extra player!'
- •'Pressure the ball but stay controlled!'
- •'Quick transition!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m court area, clear of obstacles and other activities
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are correctly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify goals are stable and appropriately sized
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during interception attempts
- •Falls when changing direction quickly
- •Contact during defensive blocking
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Emphasis on controlled defensive pressure rather than aggressive contact
- •Regular reminders about safe defensive positioning
- •Progressive introduction of defensive pressure
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor defensive contact levels during competitive play
- •Watch for fatigue affecting judgement and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact school office if needed