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Big Question

How can we use anticipation and timing to create shooting opportunities in handball?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop the ability to anticipate play and position effectively
  • To improve shooting technique with power and accuracy
  • To master passing using the back of the hand technique

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate improved anticipation skills in game situations
  • Students will shoot with greater power and accuracy from various positions
  • Students will execute back-hand passes confidently in game contexts

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs
12-15 (class set)

Various sizes available for differentiation

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, soft play balls

Softballs
6-8

For back-hand passing practice

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

Mats
40-50

For court boundaries and target marking

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks

Large Target Ball
1

Heavy enough to stay in place when hit

Alternative: Medicine ball, large foam ball

Cones
20

For target creation and boundary marking

Alternative: Plastic bottles, markers

Key Vocabulary

Anticipation

Predicting where the ball or players will move before it happens

Back-hand pass

Passing the ball using the back of the hand rather than palm

Feinting

Making a fake movement to deceive opponents

Power shooting

Shooting with maximum force while maintaining accuracy

Sideways-on position

Body positioned at angle to optimise passing and receiving

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic handball passing techniques
  • Understanding of overarm throwing mechanics
  • Basic rules of handball including three-step rule
  • Simple shooting technique development

Current Skills

  • Anticipating play and reading game situations
  • Shooting with power and accuracy under pressure
  • Back-hand passing technique refinement
  • Strategic positioning in attack and defence

Next Steps

  • Advanced tactical awareness in team play
  • Shooting from various angles and distances
  • Combining multiple passing techniques in game flow
  • Leadership in team attack and defence patterns

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistently positions to intercept or receive
2
Scores goals from different positions on court
3
Uses back-hand pass effectively in games
4
Demonstrates game awareness and anticipation

Key Teaching Points

  • Anticipation comes from watching hands and body position, not eyes
  • Sideways-on receiving position enables quicker passing and shooting
  • Back-hand passing requires wrist flick action, not pushing motion
  • Feinting must be convincing to create genuine shooting opportunities
  • Self-motivation and physical confidence develop through positive challenge
  • Overarm throwing power comes from full body rotation and follow-through
  • Game rules create structure but skills application shows true learning

Common Misconceptions

  • That watching the thrower's eyes shows where they'll pass - correct by teaching to watch hands
  • That power in shooting is more important than accuracy - emphasise accuracy first, then add power
  • That feinting means just moving slightly - show that convincing feints require commitment to the fake
  • That anticipation is just luck - demonstrate how reading body language improves prediction
  • That back-hand passing is just normal passing backwards - show the specific wrist flick technique

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes
dyspraxia
  • Larger equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step skills, extra practice time
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured balls, audio cues for direction, buddy system for court awareness
hearing impairment
  • Visual demonstrations, hand signals for rules, written instruction cards available
physical disability
  • Seated handball version, modified equipment, adapted court size and rules

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, measuring distances for court setup, calculating team scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and angles in shooting, body mechanics in feinting movements

PSHE

Self-motivation, resilience when losing, supporting teammates, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all activities, move around during practice to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for proper throwing technique, safe movement patterns, and positive attitude development

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, technique correction, or motivational support

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use students to help demonstrate when possible.

Verbal Cues
  • •'Sideways-on for power!'
  • •'Watch their hands, not their eyes!'
  • •'Feint first, then move!'
  • •'Support your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for full court, additional 15m x 15m areas for skills

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check handballs are properly inflated and undamaged
  • •Ensure markers and cones have no sharp edges
  • •Medicine ball secured when not in use
  • •Soft balls only for back-hand passing practice

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Ball strikes to head/face during throwing activities
  • •Collisions during running and game play
  • •Slips and falls on court surface
  • •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries established for all activities
  • •Adequate spacing between groups and activities
  • •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
  • •Regular hydration and rest breaks
  • •Soft ball use in close-contact activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
  • •Monitor high-activity areas like shooting zones
  • •Check technique to prevent strain injuries
  • •Ensure safe ball collection procedures
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed