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Lesson 3 - 3-Man Weave and Circle Runner

Team Play Strategies

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Year 4

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can the centre and circle runner work together to create attacking opportunities through movement and passing?

Learning Objectives

Define the role of the circle runner in building attacking play
Demonstrate the 3-man weave technique with accurate passing and movement
Work collaboratively as centre and circle runner to create scoring opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will understand and describe the specific roles of centre and circle runner positions
Students will execute the 3-man weave with coordination, timing, and accurate passing
Students will apply positional play effectively in a 5v3 game situation to build attacks

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 2 students (15 total)

Pre-positioned around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, netballs for younger students

Cones

20-25

Mark court boundaries, goals, and halfway line clearly

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Bibs

8 (for defenders in games)

Ensure clear distinction between attacking and defending teams

Alternative: Different coloured tops, bands, or pinnies

Goals

2 goals or 4 cones

Position at each end of playing area, clearly visible

Alternative: Wall targets, hula hoops, or marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Circle Runner

A player who moves around the defensive area to create attacking opportunities

Centre

The central player who links attack and defence, similar to Centre in netball

3-Man Weave

A passing and movement pattern where players pass and follow behind the receiver

Pass and Follow

After passing the ball, immediately run behind the player you passed to

Attacking Dominant

A game format where attackers outnumber defenders to practice skills

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Understanding of basic attacking and defending principles
Jump shot technique from previous lesson
Basic court positioning and movement

Current Skills

3-man weave technique with passing and following
Circle runner positioning and movement patterns
Centre player dual role of attack and quick defensive recovery
Coordinated team attacking play using multiple players

Next Steps

Advanced attacking combinations with multiple weaves
Wing play integration with centre positions
Set plays and tactical variations
Full 6v6 gameplay with all specialist positions

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of 3-man weave without ball loss

Clear understanding of when to use circle runner vs direct attack

Effective communication between centre and circle runner

Successful goal scoring through coordinated team play

Key Teaching Points

3-man weave requires immediate movement after passing - no hesitation
Circle runner must move continuously to create space, not stand still
Centre player has dual role - attack and quick defensive recovery
Chest passes work best for accuracy during movement activities
Three-step limit prevents travelling violations in game situations
Teamwork and communication are essential for successful attacking play
Quality over speed when learning new skills and patterns

Common Misconceptions

Circle runner should stay in one position - actually needs continuous movement
3-man weave is just about passing - movement and timing are equally important
Centre only attacks - must also track back quickly for defence
Speed is most important - technique and coordination should come first
Individual skill matters most - handball is fundamentally a team sport

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, larger/softer equipment if helpful

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, clear verbal cues for all movements, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, vibrant visual cues

physical disability

Seated version of passing activities, modified movement patterns, appropriate equipment adaptations

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring circle diameters, counting three-step limits, calculating team rotations and timing

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, momentum in movement patterns, coordination and balance

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of court geography and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when learning new skills, communication

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing visibility of all groups, move between activities for individual coaching

Observation Focus

Technical execution of 3-man weave, understanding of positional roles, teamwork and communication

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with weave pattern, clarify positional roles if confusion evident, manage game intensity

Demonstration Notes

Use slow motion for complex skills, involve students in demonstrations, provide clear visual references using court markings

Verbal Cues

•'Pass and follow!'
•'Circle runner, keep moving!'
•'Centre, track back!'
•'Three steps maximum!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Half court minimum (15m x 20m), clear run-off areas at ends

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure bibs are in good condition without sharp edges
•Verify cones are visible and properly positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during 3-man weave if spacing is poor
•Ball strikes to face during passing activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during continuous game play

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear spacing guidelines for all activities
•Emphasise chest-height passing to avoid head strikes
•Regular equipment and surface checks
•Monitor intensity and provide breaks as needed
•Clear movement patterns to avoid collisions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during practice
•Monitor high-activity areas during games closely
•Be aware of students who may be struggling with coordination

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal understood by all, immediate assessment of any incidents, appropriate first aid response available