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Big Question

How can we use different shooting techniques to score goals and work as a team in handball?

Learning Objectives

  • Develop basic overarm shooting technique with proper grip and release
  • Learn and apply the jump shot technique in game situations
  • Work collaboratively as a team to create shooting opportunities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved shooting accuracy using overarm technique
  • Students will attempt jump shots during game play with correct timing
  • Students will show teamwork skills in creating and taking shooting opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs
15-20 balls

Distribute around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls for beginners

Posts
4-6 goals

Set up goals on opposite sides of courts

Alternative: Cones to mark goal areas, wall targets

Cones
20-30 cones

Mark court boundaries and no-go areas

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Bibs
15 bibs in different colours

Separate into team colours for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Overarm shooting

Throwing the ball towards goal using an overarm action with the shooting hand

Jump shot

A shooting technique where both feet leave the ground during the throw

Shooting hand

The dominant hand used to control and throw the ball

Three-step approach

Taking three steps towards the goal before shooting to generate power

Rebound

The ball bouncing back after hitting a surface like a wall or goalpost

No-go area

The goalkeeper's circle where only the goalkeeper is allowed

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic ball handling and catching skills
  • Understanding of overarm throwing action
  • Knowledge of basic handball rules and boundaries

Current Skills

  • Overarm shooting technique with proper grip
  • Jump shot technique with timing and power
  • Teamwork in attack to create shooting opportunities

Next Steps

  • Advanced shooting techniques from different angles
  • Shooting under defensive pressure
  • Complex team attacking patterns

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent use of correct shooting grip
2
Successful jump shots with feet off ground
3
Improved shooting accuracy in game situations

Key Teaching Points

  • Proper shooting grip with fingers spread behind ball and support hand on side
  • High elbow position during shooting preparation for better accuracy and power
  • Step forward with opposite foot to shooting hand for better balance and force generation
  • Jump shot timing - release ball while airborne, before feet return to ground
  • No-go area awareness - can jump and shoot from edge but must not land inside with ball
  • Teamwork in attack - passing to create better shooting opportunities for teammates
  • Progressive skill development - master standing shots before attempting jump shots

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking power is more important than technique - emphasise accuracy and proper form first
  • Believing jump shots are always better - explain when to use different shooting techniques
  • Assuming handball shooting is same as basketball - highlight differences in grip and throwing action
  • Thinking you must always shoot when near goal - emphasise importance of passing to create better opportunities
  • Believing landing in goalkeeper area is allowed if ball already released - clarify no-go area rules clearly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback, clear boundaries
dyspraxia
  • Break skills into smaller steps, extra practice time, larger equipment, simplified coordination patterns
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet area available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls, audio cues for directions, buddy system for guidance, tactile markers for boundaries
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, use of hand signals, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
  • Seated shooting practice, modified throwing distances, larger targets, alternative grip techniques for limited hand function

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful shots and calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances for different shooting zones

Science

Understanding forces in throwing - how preparation and follow-through affect ball flight and power

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and trajectories in shooting

PSHE

Teamwork skills, supporting others, dealing with success and failure in shooting attempts

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between different activity areas to provide feedback and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Shooting technique development, safe jump shot execution, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when students show poor technique, unsafe landing, or negative team behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for complex skills, repeat key techniques multiple times

Verbal Cues
  • •'High elbow, step and snap!'
  • •'Jump up, shoot, land safe!'
  • •'Work together to create chances!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor court minimum 20m x 15m per game area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate ceiling height for jump shots

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check balls are appropriate size and condition for age group
  • •Ensure goals are stable and securely positioned
  • •Verify targets are safely attached to walls

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions during game play
  • •Landing injuries from jump shots
  • •Ball strikes to head or body
  • •Overexertion from continuous activity
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries and no-go areas established
  • •Adequate spacing between activities and courts
  • •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • •Emphasis on controlled movements and safe landing

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
  • •Monitor jump shot technique for safe landing
  • •Watch for signs of fatigue during continuous activities
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, inform school procedures