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Lesson 2 - Goalkeeping and Angle Closing

Skills & Game Strategies

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Year 5

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Handball

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Big Question

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

Handballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distribute around activity areas

Alternative: Soft foam balls, tennis balls for younger students

Cones

20-30

Mark goals, boundaries, and shooting areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Goals

4-6

Set up various sizes for different activities

Alternative: Cone goals, wall targets, hoops

Cricket Wickets

12-15

For dodgeball angles activity

Alternative: Skittles, bottles, small cones

Soft Dodgeballs

6-8

For dodgeball activity safety

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Angle closing

Moving to reduce the amount of goal space available for the attacker to shoot at

Goalkeeper

The defensive player responsible for protecting the goal and preventing scores

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, arms out, ready to move in any direction

Save

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

Consistent angle closing movement

Quick reactions to shot direction

Effective use of body to block shots

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