Lesson 3 - 3-Man Weave and Circle Runner
Team Play Strategies
•Year 4
•Handball
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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
Pre-positioned around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 1 footballs, netballs for younger students
Mark court boundaries, goals, and halfway line clearly
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines
Ensure clear distinction between attacking and defending teams
Alternative: Different coloured tops, bands, or pinnies
Position at each end of playing area, clearly visible
Alternative: Wall targets, hula hoops, or marked areas
Key Vocabulary
A player who moves around the defensive area to create attacking opportunities
The central player who links attack and defence, similar to Centre in netball
A passing and movement pattern where players pass and follow behind the receiver
After passing the ball, immediately run behind the player you passed to
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
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