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Lesson 6 - Competition and Team Play

Skills & Game Strategies

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Year 5

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Handball

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Big Question

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

Handballs

6-8 balls

Two balls per court minimum for continuous play

Alternative: Size 3 footballs or netballs if handballs unavailable

Goals

4 goals (2 per court)

Position goals at each end of playing areas

Alternative: Cones marking goal areas 3m wide x 2m high

Coloured Bibs

30 bibs (6 colours, 5 per colour)

Each team needs matching bibs for identification

Alternative: Different coloured bands or pinnies

Dish Cones

20 cones

Mark court boundaries and 3m restart lines

Alternative: Chalk lines or existing court markings

Competition Planner

6 sheets

One per team captain for recording scores

Alternative: Whiteboard for recording results

Whistles

2 whistles

One per court for game management

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Key Vocabulary

Round-robin

A competition format where each team plays every other team once

Possession

Keeping control of the ball within your team

Passage of play

A sequence of actions that leads to a scoring opportunity or goal

Goal difference

The difference between goals scored and goals conceded

Closing angles

Goalkeeper positioning to reduce shooting opportunities

Set plays

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

Students consistently apply learned skills in game pressure

Teams demonstrate clear attacking and defending strategies

Students can explain why certain plays were effective

Evidence of improved team cooperation and communication

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