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Lesson 4 - Interception and Blocking Skills

Skills & Tactics Progression

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Year 4

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Handballs

1 per 4 students (8 total)

Keep spare balls around court perimeter

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, netballs for lighter option

Cones

Various colours for different areas and goals

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Goals

3 small goals

Positioned at each end of playing areas

Alternative: Cones 2m apart, bench on its side

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Clearly distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured tops

Video Device

1 per student

For assessment evidence collection

Alternative: Digital camera, observation sheets

Key Vocabulary

Intercept

To catch or stop the ball before it reaches its intended target

Block

To use your body or hands to stop a shot from reaching the goal

Numerical advantage

Having more players than the opposing team in a particular area

Pressure

To apply defensive force to make attacking more difficult

Transition

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

Consistently reads the game to anticipate passes

Demonstrates multiple blocking techniques

Shows leadership in organising team tactics

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