🤾

Lesson 3 - Overarm Shooting and Teamwork

Skills & Tactics Progression

•

Year 4

•

Handball

•

52 min

Big Question

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

Handballs

1 per pair (15)

Distributed around activity areas for easy access

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags

Cones

As needed

Used for goals, boundaries, and target areas

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Large Lightweight Balls

2-3

For Space Invaders activity - easy to hit and move

Alternative: Beach balls, large foam balls

Measuring Tapes

For measuring 10m and 15m distances accurately

Alternative: Pre-marked distances on court

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm moving over the shoulder in a forward arc

Backing up

Positioning yourself to collect loose balls and support teammates

Shooting technique

Specific method for accurately throwing at a target with power and precision

Self-motivation

The ability to keep trying and stay focused without external encouragement

Competitive situations

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

Consistent accurate shooting from 10+ metres

Automatic movement to support teammates

Positive attitude maintained throughout challenges

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