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Lesson 4 - Pivoting and Spatial Awareness

Skills & Game Strategies

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Year 5

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Handball

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52 min

Big Question

How can pivoting help us create space and scoring opportunities in handball?

Learning Objectives

Develop pivoting technique to create space for passing or shooting
Apply pivoting skills in game situations under pressure
Use pivoting to evade defenders and improve attacking play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective pivoting technique with both feet
Students will use pivoting strategically in small-sided games
Students will understand when and why to pivot in different game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, netballs for grip practice

Goals

Positioned at each end of court

Alternative: Cones to mark goal areas, target boards

Cones

Used to mark court boundaries and drill stations

Alternative: Markers, bibs for positional marking

Bibs

15 (2 colours)

Different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Key Vocabulary

Pivot

Rotating on one foot while keeping it planted, used to change direction while holding the ball

Wide base

Feet positioned shoulder-width apart for better balance and stability

Feint

A fake movement designed to deceive the defender about your intended direction

Turnover

When defending team gains possession of the ball from the attacking team

Space creation

Using movement and technique to create room for passing or shooting

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 court boundaries and goals
Basic passing and shooting techniques
Knowledge of 3-step and 3-second rules

Current Skills

Pivoting technique with proper foot placement
Quick decision-making when holding the ball
Using body position to shield the ball from defenders
Combining pivoting with passing and shooting

Next Steps

Advanced footwork patterns and movement combinations
Complex tactical understanding of space creation
Fast break attacks using pivoting
Counter-attacking strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of wide base when receiving ball

Quick, controlled pivoting movements

Strategic use of pivoting in game situations

Ability to feint effectively before pivoting

Key Teaching Points

Pivoting in handball allows steps during the turn, unlike netball
Always receive the ball with a wide, stable base for better pivoting options
Use feints with eyes and shoulders to sell fake movements effectively
Quick decision-making is crucial - use the 3-second rule to maintain tempo
Pivoting creates space for both passing and shooting opportunities
Practice pivoting with both left and right feet for tactical variety
Combine pivoting with other handball skills for fluid game play

Common Misconceptions

Thinking pivoting rules are the same as netball - correct by explaining handball allows steps
Believing you can only pivot on one foot - teach that both feet can be pivot feet
Assuming pivoting is only for escaping pressure - show how it creates attacking opportunities
Thinking feints need to be big movements - demonstrate subtle but effective fakes
Believing pivoting slows down play - prove it actually speeds up decision-making

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Break down pivoting into smaller steps, additional practice time, larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Clear routine structures, visual schedules of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of pivot movements, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated or supported pivoting variations, modified equipment, adapted court size and rules

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring pivot angles and distances, calculating degrees of rotation, timing pivoting movements

Science

Understanding forces and motion during pivoting, balance and centre of gravity, physics of ball bouncing

Geography

Spatial awareness and direction finding, understanding angles and compass directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence through skill mastery, resilience when learning new techniques

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to observe pivoting technique, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for wide base positioning, controlled pivoting movements, safe physical contact, and tactical application

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, unsafe movements occurring, or game becoming too physical

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, full-speed for game application, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Wide base, strong position!'
•'Plant and turn quickly!'
•'Sell the feint with your eyes!'
•'Look for space after the pivot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full handball court (40m x 20m minimum) or adapted space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water, debris, or obstacles that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure goals are securely positioned and stable
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during pivoting movements
•Falls when changing direction quickly
•Ball impact injuries during shooting practice
•Overexertion during high-intensity drills

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and safe spacing
•Teach controlled pivoting technique before adding pressure
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular water breaks during intense activities
•Clear communication about safe practice

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor pivoting technique to prevent injuries
•Watch for fatigue levels during intensive drills
•Ensure appropriate physical contact levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student welfare, apply appropriate first aid, contact school medical personnel if required