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Lesson 1 - Ball Control and Accurate Passing

Control to Tournament Strategies

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Year 5

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Handballs

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter before lesson

Alternative: Footballs, netballs for catching practice

Cones

For marking throwing distances and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots

Softballs

For French cricket activity only

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags

Bibs

For team identification in games

Alternative: Coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Ready position

Athletic stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, arms ready to move

Overarm throw

Throwing technique using shoulder and arm in overhead motion for power and accuracy

Backing up

Moving to support teammates by covering space behind them or providing passing options

Dribbling

Controlling the ball with fingertips whilst moving, keeping head up

Lateral movement

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

Maintains ready position automatically during gameplay

Throws accurately to moving targets consistently

Anticipates team needs and provides support without instruction

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