Lesson 1 - Ball Control and Accurate Passing
Control to Tournament Strategies
•Year 5
•Handball
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How can we use movement and communication to create successful attacking opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- Develop ready position and movement skills to receive the ball effectively
- Master accurate overarm throwing and bouncing techniques with both hands
- Apply tactical understanding of backing up and supporting teammates
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate consistent ready position with knees bent and weight on balls of feet
- Students will successfully complete overarm throws hitting target area 8/10 times
- Students will show understanding of backing up by moving to support teammates during game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around area perimeter before lesson
Alternative: Footballs, netballs for catching practice
For marking throwing distances and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots
For French cricket activity only
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
For team identification in games
Alternative: Coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready to move
Throwing technique using shoulder and arm in overhead motion for power and accuracy
Moving to support teammates by covering space behind them or providing passing options
Controlling the ball with fingertips whilst moving, keeping head up
Moving sideways whilst maintaining balance and ready position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from earlier units
- Understanding of personal space and general space
- Simple chest passing and catching techniques
Current Skills
- Advanced ready position for quick movement
- Overarm throwing with accuracy and power
- Tactical awareness of backing up and supporting
Next Steps
- Advanced dribbling under pressure
- Complex team attacking patterns
- Defensive positioning and intercepting
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position must become automatic - knees bent, weight forward, arms ready
- Overarm throwing technique: step forward, arm over shoulder, follow through down
- Dribbling with fingertips only, never palms, head up at all times
- Backing up means positioning to support teammates and collect loose balls
- Lateral movement without crossing feet maintains balance and control
- Pass ahead of moving receivers, not to where they are currently
- Team communication through clear signals and positive encouragement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking ready position is just standing normally - emphasise the athletic stance
- Believing harder throws are always better - focus on accuracy and control
- Assuming backing up means just standing behind - show active positioning and anticipation
- Thinking dribbling is like basketball - handball requires different technique
- Expecting instant success with moving targets - explain progression is normal
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities
dyspraxia
- Larger, lighter balls, reduced complexity in movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent partner arrangements
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, audio cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, visual feedback for technique
physical disability
- Seated throwing practice, modified distances, alternative equipment, adapted ready position for wheelchair users
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful passes and catches, measuring 5m distances, calculating team scores to 20
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, friction between ball and surface, body balance and centre of gravity
Geography
Directional awareness, spatial understanding, mapping movement pathways around the area
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, supporting struggling teammates, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups constantly, position at corners for maximum visibility, stay mobile throughout
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ready position, overarm technique, backing up understanding, and team cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in when technique is unsafe, groups are struggling with organisation, or competitive tension arises
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always show techniques slowly first, then at full speed. Use students to demonstrate good examples when appropriate. Exaggerate key teaching points for visibility.
Verbal Cues
- •'Knees bent like sitting on an invisible chair!'
- •'Push the ball down with your fingertips!'
- •'Two-thirds of the way to your partner!'
- •'Get behind your teammate to back them up!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 15m indoor space or equivalent outdoor area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from any hazards, cones or equipment from previous lessons
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and have no damage
- •Ensure soft balls are genuinely soft and age-appropriate
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball impact injuries from thrown balls
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls from poor surface conditions or dropped balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between groups
- •Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
- •Use of soft balls only for French Cricket
- •Emphasis on controlled throwing power throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor throwing power levels during passing practices
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid/support, report any incidents according to school policy