Lesson 1 - Catching and Protecting the Ball
Team Play Strategies
•Year 4
•Handball
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How can we use our body positioning and ball control to keep possession and create scoring opportunities in handball?
Learning Objectives
- To develop catching skills with two hands and controlling the ball with fingers and thumbs
- To learn how to protect the ball using body positioning and one-handed control
- To apply catching and protecting skills in competitive game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will catch the ball cleanly with two hands and control it effectively
- Students will demonstrate ball protection techniques using body positioning
- Students will apply skills successfully in small-sided games
Equipment & Resources Required
Balls should be grippable with one hand - test by having students attempt one-handed hold
Alternative: Slightly deflated volleyballs or foam balls
Used for marking boundaries, scoring areas, and activity zones
Alternative: Markers or spots
For team identification in games
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands
Key Vocabulary
Receiving the ball safely with both hands, using fingers and thumbs to control it
Using body position and the non-ball hand to keep the ball away from defenders
In handball, players can take up to 3 steps while holding the ball before they must pass, bounce, or shoot
The designated zone where teams must catch the ball cleanly to score points
A player positioned outside the playing area who passes the ball to players inside
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching with larger balls
- Understanding of team games and simple passing
- Awareness of space and movement in games
Current Skills
- Catching handball with two hands
- Protecting ball with body positioning
- One-handed ball control and protection
Next Steps
- Advanced passing techniques (bounce pass, shoulder pass)
- Defensive positioning and interception skills
- Team tactics and strategic gameplay
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Extend arms to meet the ball rather than waiting for it to come to you
- Use fingers and thumbs for catching control, not just palms
- Keep the ball close to your body when protecting it from defenders
- Use your non-ball hand and body position to create a barrier from defenders
- The 3-step rule allows strategic movement but must be counted carefully
- Communication with teammates is essential for successful game play
- Fair play means no contact with the ball when defending - position only
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking catching is just about using hands - actually requires whole body positioning and timing
- Believing ball protection means hiding the ball - it's about strategic body positioning and movement
- Assuming the 3-step rule means you must take 3 steps - it's a maximum, not a requirement
- Thinking defending means trying to hit the ball away - handball defending is about positioning and pressure
- Believing handball is just about individual skills - team communication and strategy are equally important
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger balls for easier catching, simplified movement patterns, extra demonstration time, patient skill building
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable game rules
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance, tactile boundary markers
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations emphasised, clear hand signals for game instructions, written prompt cards available
physical disability
- Seated catching options, modified protection techniques, adapted equipment sizes, flexible movement requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting steps in 3-step rule, measuring distances for throwing, calculating scores and game statistics
Science
Understanding forces in throwing and catching, grip and friction concepts, body coordination and balance
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns in games
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when learning new skills, respect for others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around groups during skills practice, central position during games for optimal viewing
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching technique, effective ball protection, and fair play in games
Intervention Points
Step in when students struggle with technique, safety issues arise, or game flow breaks down
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for techniques. Position yourself where all students can see. Repeat demonstrations as needed.
Verbal Cues
- •'Extend those arms to meet the ball!'
- •'Protect with your body!'
- •'Use your 3 steps wisely!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear space for main activities, smaller squares for skill practice
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for quick movements
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Handballs properly inflated and appropriate size for age group
- •Cones positioned safely without sharp edges
- •Regular equipment checks for damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impacts to face/body
- •Collisions during games
- •Slips during quick direction changes
- •Contact between players during protection activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise gentle throwing in practice
- •Clear no-contact rules for defending
- •Adequate spacing between activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Active monitoring of contact levels
- •Immediate intervention for unsafe play
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed