Lesson 3 - Ball Handling & Court Awareness
Control to Tournament Strategies
•Year 5
•Handball
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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
Pre-positioned around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for grip practice
Ready for team identification and 'pig' game
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Mark goal areas and court boundaries clearly
Alternative: Floor spots, chalk lines
Create goal areas and positioning markers
Alternative: Small cones, markers
Key Vocabulary
Bouncing the ball continuously with one hand whilst moving
Body position where side faces the ball direction for better court vision
Using your body to protect the ball from opponents
Lines and areas on handball court that define playing zones and rules
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
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