Lesson 6 - Competition and Team Play
Skills & Game Strategies
•Year 5
•Handball
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How can we use all our handball skills effectively in a competitive team situation?
Learning Objectives
- To work cooperatively as a team to defend and attack effectively
- To apply all learned skills in competitive game situations
- To analyse and explain effective passages of play
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate coordinated team play in attack and defence
- Students will apply technical skills learned across the unit in game situations
- Students will articulate tactical understanding through analysis of play
Equipment & Resources Required
Two balls per court minimum for continuous play
Alternative: Size 3 footballs or netballs if handballs unavailable
Position goals at each end of playing areas
Alternative: Cones marking goal areas 3m wide x 2m high
Each team needs matching bibs for identification
Alternative: Different coloured bands or pinnies
Mark court boundaries and 3m restart lines
Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings
One per team captain for recording scores
Alternative: Whiteboard for recording results
One per court for game management
Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable
Key Vocabulary
A competition format where each team plays every other team once
Keeping control of the ball within your team
A sequence of actions that leads to a scoring opportunity or goal
The difference between goals scored and goals conceded
Goalkeeper positioning to reduce shooting opportunities
Planned team movements for specific situations
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Individual handball skills: dribbling, passing, shooting
- Basic rules and court awareness
- Simple attacking and defending concepts
- Goalkeeper techniques and rules
Current Skills
- Team coordination in attack and defence
- Application of skills under competitive pressure
- Tactical analysis and communication
- Leadership and cooperation in team situations
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical understanding across different sports
- Leadership skills in competitive situations
- Performance analysis and improvement planning
- Transition to more complex invasion games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise teamwork and cooperation over individual achievement throughout the competition
- Ensure all students understand that success is measured by effort, improvement, and sportsmanship
- Apply all handball skills learned throughout the unit in competitive game situations
- Maintain fair play and respect for opponents, teammates, and officials at all times
- Encourage tactical thinking and analysis of effective passages of play
- Celebrate achievements from all teams regardless of final tournament positions
- Use competition as opportunity to demonstrate character and resilience under pressure
Common Misconceptions
- That winning is more important than effort and sportsmanship - emphasise process over outcome
- That only the most skilled players contribute to team success - highlight different valuable contributions
- That competition means you can't help opponents - reinforce respect and fair play principles
- That making mistakes under pressure means failure - frame as learning opportunities
- That only captains can show leadership - encourage leadership qualities in all students
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Clear roles and responsibilities within teams, regular positive feedback, structured activities with clear time limits
dyspraxia
- Simplified movements and positions, extra practice time if needed, supportive team placement for confidence building
autism spectrum
- Clear structure and routine, advance notice of any changes, quiet space available if needed for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide audio descriptions of play, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game management, ensure clear line of sight for communication, written rule reminders available
physical disability
- Adapted positions within teams, modified rules if necessary, ensure full participation in strategy discussions
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication during team discussions, explaining tactics and strategies, reflection and evaluation skills
Maths
Tournament calculations, scoring systems, time management, statistical analysis of performance
Science
Understanding of cardiovascular system during intense exercise, forces and motion in ball skills
Geography
Spatial awareness in game situations, understanding of court positioning and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, dealing with competition pressure, resilience and determination
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between both courts regularly to observe all teams and ensure fair play
Observation Focus
Watch for skill application, team cooperation, safety compliance, and inclusive participation
Intervention Points
Step in if rules being broken, safety compromised, or students becoming overly competitive
Demonstration Notes
Model excellent officiating, fair play, and positive encouragement throughout competition
Verbal Cues
- •'Great teamwork!' to reinforce cooperation
- •'Remember the 3-second rule!' for rule compliance
- •'Well played both teams!' to maintain sportsmanship
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m per court, adequate space between courts for safety
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, clearly marked boundaries
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handball balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Ensure goals are stable and securely positioned
- •Verify bibs are clean and in good condition
- •Check all cones have no sharp edges or cracks
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during competitive play
- •Ball strikes to face or body during intense games
- •Overexertion during sustained competitive activity
- •Frustration or aggression during competition
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear no-contact rules enforced consistently
- •Regular breaks between games for recovery
- •Teacher moving between courts for constant supervision
- •Emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play throughout
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of both courts simultaneously
- •Move between courts regularly during games
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Watch for any developing conflicts between teams
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required