Lesson 4 - Turn and Defend
Team Play Strategies
•Year 4
•Handball
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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
Distributed around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Soft play balls, foam balls for safety
Mark out D areas and boundary lines
Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags
One set each for teams during games
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands
Positioned at each end of playing area
Alternative: Cones as goal markers, wall targets
Key Vocabulary
The immediate defensive response when a team loses possession, involving quick movement to defensive positions
Having control of the ball as a team
Changing direction quickly while moving, especially when transitioning from attack to defence
The organised positioning of defenders to protect the goal area
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
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