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Lesson 4 - Turn and Defend

Team Play Strategies

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Year 4

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we quickly turn and defend when we lose possession of the ball?

Learning Objectives

To turn quickly and move into defensive positions when possession is lost
To successfully perform first wave defence as part of a team
To communicate effectively when running back to defensive positions

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to execute quick turns and movement to defensive positions
Students will demonstrate first wave defence positioning and movement
Students will show effective communication during defensive transitions

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Soft play balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

20-25

Mark out D areas and boundary lines

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags

Coloured Bibs

2 sets of 15

One set each for teams during games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands

Goals

Positioned at each end of playing area

Alternative: Cones as goal markers, wall targets

Key Vocabulary

First wave defence

The immediate defensive response when a team loses possession, involving quick movement to defensive positions

Possession

Having control of the ball as a team

Turn on the move

Changing direction quickly while moving, especially when transitioning from attack to defence

Defensive formation

The organised positioning of defenders to protect the goal area

Close down angles

Reducing the space and options available to attacking players

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing and catching
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Simple positional awareness

Current Skills

Quick turning movements under pressure
First wave defence positioning
Communication during transitions
Reading game situations for possession changes

Next Steps

Advanced defensive formations
Coordinated team defence strategies
Counter-attacking from defence

Milestone Indicators

Consistently quick reaction to possession loss

Effective defensive positioning without static play

Clear communication during defensive transitions

Key Teaching Points

Quick explosive turns on the balls of feet for immediate defensive transition
Maintain dynamic positioning - defenders must move with the ball, not stay static
Communication is essential during defensive transitions and formation organisation
Choose appropriate defensive formation based on attacking threat and team strengths
First wave defence requires immediate response from ALL players when possession is lost

Common Misconceptions

Believing only certain players need to defend - correct by emphasising everyone defends
Thinking defensive positions are fixed - show how defenders must move with ball
Assuming first wave defence is only needed in handball - explain application in all sports
Believing faster players don't need good technique - demonstrate importance of proper turning mechanics

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear visual boundaries, use frequent positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Provide additional practice time for movements, simplify formations initially, use visual and verbal cues together

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure with visual schedules, designate quiet zones, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of formations, pair with sighted buddy for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for transitions, provide written formation diagrams, use hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modify to walking pace instead of running, provide seated defensive positions, adapt formations for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Understanding forces during turning movements, friction between feet and ground, momentum and direction changes

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of area coverage, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience under pressure, supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of playing area for optimal view of all students, move around perimeter during activities to observe different angles

Observation Focus

Watch for quick reaction times, effective communication, safe physical contact, and understanding of defensive concepts

Intervention Points

["Step in if physical contact becomes inappropriate", "Intervene if students show confusion about formations", "Provide additional support for students struggling with transitions", "Stop activity if safety concerns arise"]

Demonstration Notes

Use students as demonstration partners to show formations, emphasise key body positions for turning, highlight excellent examples during play

Verbal Cues

•'Explode into action!'
•'Track that ball!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Quick feet, quick turns!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m area with additional 3m safety margin around perimeter

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for turning movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify goals are stable and safely positioned

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during rapid direction changes
•Slips during explosive turning movements
•Contact during defensive play
•Ball strikes to face/head area

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and communicated
•Adequate spacing between students during activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Controlled contact rules in game situations
•Regular safety reminders during transitions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor turning activities for safe technique
•Watch for appropriate physical contact levels
•Ensure proper warm-up before intensive activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury