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Lesson 3 - Ball Handling & Court Awareness

Control to Tournament Strategies

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Year 5

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we use our body position and awareness to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in handball?

Learning Objectives

To develop controlled dribbling whilst travelling at speed
To master receiving the ball sideways-on for better court vision
To understand how to shield the ball effectively using body positioning

Key Outcomes

Students will dribble a ball confidently whilst moving through space
Students will demonstrate sideways-on ball reception for tactical advantage
Students will show understanding of court markings and their tactical significance

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for grip practice

Coloured Bibs

6-8 bibs in different colours

Ready for team identification and 'pig' game

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Markers Cones

20 cones

Mark goal areas and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Floor spots, chalk lines

Mats

12 spots

Create goal areas and positioning markers

Alternative: Small cones, markers

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand whilst moving

Sideways-on

Body position where side faces the ball direction for better court vision

Shielding

Using your body to protect the ball from opponents

Court markings

Lines and areas on handball court that define playing zones and rules

Bounce pass

Passing technique where ball bounces once before reaching teammate

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of team games and simple rules
Basic spatial awareness and movement patterns

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling with directional changes
Tactical receiving positions
Defensive body positioning and shielding

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play and game strategies
Complex passing combinations under pressure
Leadership roles in competitive game situations

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ball control whilst moving at speed

Demonstrates clear understanding of sideways-on positioning

Shows effective communication during team activities

Key Teaching Points

Dribbling with head up maintains court awareness and tactical options
Sideways-on receiving position provides better vision and quicker reactions
Effective shielding requires wide stance and continuous ball movement
Communication through eye contact is essential for successful team play
Quick passing under pressure reduces opponent's defensive opportunities
Moving after passing creates new attacking possibilities
Court positioning and spacing are crucial for team success

Common Misconceptions

Students think dribbling with head down provides better control - teach that court vision is more important
Belief that stronger/faster players always win - emphasise that technique and tactics overcome physical advantages
Assumption that keeping possession means holding the ball longer - teach that quick passing maintains possession better
Thinking that defensive success means stopping all attacks - show that slowing and disrupting attacks is also successful
Misconception that communication is only verbal - demonstrate importance of eye contact and body language

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, implement buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written rule cards, ensure clear visual communication

physical disability

Adapt dribbling to rolling or pushing ball, seated versions of activities, modified distances and equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting passes and catches, measuring distances for court setup, calculating angles for passing

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, friction between ball and court surface, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directions and movement patterns, mapping game tactics

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, respect for rules and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, tactical understanding, and positive communication

Intervention Points

Step in when safety concerns arise, technique needs correction, or disputes occur

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate from multiple angles, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes up while dribbling!'
•'Find space after passing!'
•'Sideways-on for better vision!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or large gymnasium (minimum 20m x 30m)

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Handballs properly inflated and checked for damage
•Floor spots securely positioned and visible
•Bibs clean and appropriate sizes available

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during high-speed dribbling
•Ball strikes to head during passing practice
•Slips during direction changes
•Contact during defensive practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing maintained
•Controlled physical contact rules enforced
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•No contact rule during shielding practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor game intensity and physical contact levels
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required