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Lesson 5 - Small-Sided Tactics

Skills & Tactics Progression

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Year 4

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Handball

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55 min

Big Question

How can we adapt our tactics when our team has more or fewer players than the opposition?

Learning Objectives

Participate purposefully in small-sided handball games
Play to the rules consistently and fairly
Adapt tactics when team composition changes during play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness in uneven team situations
Students will apply handball rules consistently in game situations
Students will communicate effectively with teammates during competitive play

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

8-10

One ball per game in progress, extras for quick restarts

Alternative: Foam balls or tennis balls for modified play

Cones

30-40

Used for goals, boundaries, and collection points

Alternative: Markers or spots for boundaries

Tennis Balls

30-40

For Rob the Nest warm-up activity

Alternative: Bean bags or small balls

Hoops

10-12

Central collection point and team collection areas

Alternative: Marked circles or containers

Bibs

15 (3 different colours)

To distinguish teams in multiple games

Alternative: Team bands or identifying markers

Whistles

3-4

For student referees and game management

Alternative: Voice commands or hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Tactics

Planned strategies and methods used to gain advantage in a game

Small-sided game

A game played with fewer players than the full team, allowing more touches and involvement

Referee

The official who enforces rules and makes decisions during the game

Counter-attack

A quick attacking move immediately after defending or winning possession

Opposition analysis

Observing and identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the opposing team

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic handball techniques (passing, catching, shooting)
Understanding of 3-second and 3-step rules
Experience in 3v3 and 4v3 game situations

Current Skills

Small-sided game application with rule enforcement
Tactical adaptation to changing team compositions
Effective communication and listening during gameplay

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play in larger team formats
Leadership roles in organising team strategies
Tournament-style competition with multiple teams

Milestone Indicators

Consistently applies all handball rules without reminders

Adapts playing style immediately when team numbers change

Communicates tactical ideas clearly to teammates

Key Teaching Points

Tactical adaptation is more important than individual skill in team games
Communication and listening are performance skills that need practice
Fair play and respect for rules create better games for everyone
Reflection between games leads to improved performance
Different team numbers require different tactical approaches
Leadership can be shown through refereeing and coaching teammates
Tournament format motivates effort while teaching resilience

Common Misconceptions

More players always means easier games - actually requires better coordination
Winning is only about physical skills - tactical awareness is equally important
Referee decisions are always obvious - many situations require interpretation
Good players don't need to communicate - communication improves all performance
Tournament pressure excuses poor sportsmanship - pressure tests character development

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter game periods with regular breaks, clear structure with tournament format, specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, simplified rules initially, extra practice time for skills, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear routines for game transitions, visual schedule of tournament progression, quiet zones for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for rule enforcement, clear hand signals for referee decisions, written game instructions

physical disability

Seated handball variation, modified goal heights, adapted court sizes, alternative roles like scorekeeper

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, giving and receiving instructions, expressing tactical ideas clearly to teammates

Maths

Scoring systems, time management, statistical analysis of performance, geometric understanding of court positioning

Science

Understanding of physics in ball trajectory, force and motion in throwing, cardiovascular response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness on court, positional understanding, mapping movement patterns and tactical formations

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership development, conflict resolution, resilience in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with view of all courts, move between games to provide feedback and support

Observation Focus

Tactical adaptation, rule application, communication skills, and sportsmanship throughout competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in for rule clarification, tactical guidance during breaks, conflict resolution, and safety concerns

Demonstration Notes

Show tactical positioning clearly, model referee signals and decision-making, demonstrate gracious winning and losing

Verbal Cues

•'Use your extra player!'
•'Compact defending!'
•'Quick transition!'
•'Communicate your decision!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for multiple courts, clear boundaries between playing areas

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Verify goals are stable and appropriately sized

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-paced games
•Falls during rapid direction changes
•Contact despite no-contact rule

Risk Mitigation

•Clearly marked boundaries to prevent collisions with walls/equipment
•No-contact rule consistently enforced
•Adequate space between multiple courts
•Progressive skill building before competitive play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee all courts simultaneously
•Monitor for fatigue during extended tournament play
•Watch for frustration leading to unsafe play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed