Lesson 2 - Goalkeeping and Angle Closing
Skills & Game Strategies
•Year 5
•Handball
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How can a goalkeeper use their body positioning and movement to prevent goals from being scored?
Learning Objectives
- To develop goalkeeping skills including positioning and angle closing
- To understand the role and responsibilities of a goalkeeper in handball
- To apply defensive principles through movement and body positioning
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective goalkeeping techniques including angle closing
- Students will explain why closing angles reduces shooting opportunities
- Students will successfully play as goalkeeper in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around activity areas
Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls for younger students
Mark goals, boundaries, and shooting areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines
Set up various sizes for different activities
Alternative: Cone goals, wall targets, hoops
For dodgeball angles activity
Alternative: Skittles, bottles, small cones
For dodgeball activity safety
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Moving to reduce the amount of goal space available for the attacker to shoot at
The defensive player responsible for protecting the goal and preventing scores
Balanced stance with knees bent, arms out, ready to move in any direction
Successfully preventing a shot from entering the goal using any part of the body
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of handball basic rules
- Experience with throwing and receiving
Current Skills
- Goalkeeping positioning and movement
- Angle closing techniques
- Using body to make saves
Next Steps
- Advanced goalkeeping reactions and reflexes
- Communication with defenders
- Distribution from goalkeeper position
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Goalkeeper ready position: wide stance, bent knees, arms extended like a star shape
- Angle closing: move towards the ball/shooter to reduce target area available
- Use any part of body to make saves - hands, arms, legs, or body blocks
- Stay balanced during movement - don't dive unnecessarily or lose control
- Communication is key - talk to teammates about threats and coverage
- Quick reactions start with good ready position and anticipation
- Practice makes perfect - regular practice develops muscle memory and confidence
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking only hands can be used for saves - explain any body part is allowed
- Believing bigger players make better goalkeepers - emphasise technique over size
- Assuming diving is always necessary - teach when to stay standing vs when to dive
- Thinking angle closing means running straight at attacker - show angled approach
- Believing goalkeeping is individual - emphasise teamwork with defenders
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Extra practice time for positioning, simplified movement patterns, larger targets and balls
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available, predictable routine
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for directions, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Seated goalkeeper version, modified movement distances, adapted equipment sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Understanding angles (acute, obtuse, reflex), measuring distances and areas, calculating successful save percentages
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, body mechanics during movement, reaction time and reflexes
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding direction and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership in defensive roles
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the outside of activities for clear view of all students, position near goal areas during goalkeeper practice
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ready position, effective angle closing movement, and safe ball handling
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, unsafe movements, or lack of engagement
Demonstration Notes
Exaggerate all movements for clear visibility, use students to demonstrate good technique, show common mistakes for correction
Verbal Cues
- •'Star shape with your body!'
- •'Close down the angle!'
- •'Move towards the ball!'
- •'Stay balanced!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor area minimum 20m x 30m with clear goal areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for quick movements and potential diving
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Use only soft sponge balls for dodgeball activity
- •Secure goal posts or use lightweight alternatives
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during goalkeeper movement
- •Falls when diving or moving quickly
- •Ball strikes during throwing activities
- •Overexertion during intense activity
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
- •Controlled throwing speeds appropriate for age group
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
- •Regular breaks and hydration opportunities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all goalkeeper practice
- •Monitor intensity levels during competitive activities
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, contact emergency services if required