Lesson 3 - Overarm Shooting and Teamwork
Skills & Tactics Progression
•Year 4
•Handball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can accurate shooting technique and smart teamwork help us succeed in handball games?
Learning Objectives
- Develop accurate overarm throwing and shooting technique
- Understand the importance of backing up teammates during play
- Demonstrate self-motivation and physical confidence in competitive situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will shoot accurately using correct overarm technique with sideways stance and high elbow
- Students will position themselves to support teammates when throws go astray
- Students will actively engage in competitive games with confidence and determination
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas for easy access
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags
Used for goals, boundaries, and target areas
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
For Space Invaders activity - easy to hit and move
Alternative: Beach balls, large foam balls
For measuring 10m and 15m distances accurately
Alternative: Pre-marked distances on court
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with arm moving over the shoulder in a forward arc
Positioning yourself to collect loose balls and support teammates
Specific method for accurately throwing at a target with power and precision
The ability to keep trying and stay focused without external encouragement
Game scenarios where teams or individuals compete against each other
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of simple game rules
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- Overarm shooting technique with accuracy
- Tactical awareness of backing up teammates
- Self-motivation in competitive situations
Next Steps
- Advanced shooting under defensive pressure
- Complex team tactics and positioning
- Leadership roles in competitive handball games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm shooting technique requires sideways stance, high elbow, and weight transfer from back to front foot
- Accuracy is more important than power - low shots are tactically better than high shots
- Backing up teammates means positioning yourself to collect loose balls and support throws
- Self-motivation in competitive situations means staying positive and trying your best regardless of results
- Tactical thinking helps teams succeed more than individual skill alone
Common Misconceptions
- Students think facing the target square-on is better - teach sideways stance for power and accuracy
- Students often aim high thinking it's more impressive - emphasise low shots are tactically superior
- Students may think backing up means standing behind - teach active positioning and movement
- Students might equate winning with success - emphasise effort and improvement as measures of achievement
- Students often rush technique for speed - teach that consistent technique leads to better results
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback and praise, movement opportunities built in, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Larger target areas initially, extra practice time for technique development, simplified instructions broken into steps, peer support system
autism spectrum
- Clear, consistent routines for each activity, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, advance warning of activity changes
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of target areas, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards available, visual cues for game starts and stops
physical disability
- Seated shooting from wheelchair position, adapted throwing distances, alternative scoring systems, modified equipment if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances accurately (10m, 15m), calculating scores and points, understanding angles for tactical shot placement
Science
Forces and motion in throwing technique, understanding trajectory and accuracy, body systems during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' achievements, self-motivation and confidence building
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of area for maximum visibility during activities, move between groups during practice phases
Observation Focus
Watch for correct shooting technique development, note teamwork and backing up behaviour, assess self-motivation and confidence
Intervention Points
Step in if shooting technique needs correction, if safety issues arise, or if students need encouragement during challenges
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate shooting technique with exaggerated movements for visibility, show tactical concepts clearly, model positive attitude and encouragement
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance!' for shooting position
- •'High elbow!' for arm position
- •'Follow through!' for completion
- •'Back up your teammate!' for support
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 20m clear area, additional wall space with 3m clearance for Slam Ball
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from loose balls or equipment, wall areas checked for safety
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Handballs properly inflated and in good condition
- •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges
- •Large balls appropriate weight for age group
- •Wall target areas positioned away from windows or hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during fast-moving tag games
- •Being hit by balls during shooting activities
- •Slips and falls during competitive games
- •Wall collision during Slam Ball activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between pairs and teams maintained
- •Controlled throwing emphasised over power
- •Safe distance from walls during shooting games
- •Supervision positioned for maximum visibility
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all groups during competitive activities
- •Monitor shooting areas for safety compliance
- •Check equipment regularly during lesson
- •Ensure fair play and safe competition
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required