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Lesson 5 - Set Plays and Team Coordination

Skills & Game Strategies

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Year 5

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can teams use coordinated movements and tactical planning to break through defensive formations?

Learning Objectives

To understand the role and purpose of set plays in handball
To execute coordinated team movements in attacking situations
To apply tactical awareness in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of set play concepts
Students will perform coordinated attacking movements with timing
Students will make tactical decisions in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 2-3 students (approximately 10-12)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, soft play balls

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Used for Battleships game and marking positions

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Bibs

15 (two different colours)

Clearly distinguish teams during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

PE Equipment

6-8 items per team

Placed in central neutral zone

Alternative: Bean bags, small cones, foam blocks

Key Vocabulary

Set Play

A pre-planned tactical movement involving multiple players to create scoring opportunities

Give and Go

Pass the ball then immediately move into space to receive it back

Centre Back

The player positioned centrally who often initiates attacking plays

Unopposed

Practice without active defenders, focusing on movement patterns

Formation

The organised positioning of players on the court

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic passing and catching techniques
Understanding of attacking and defending roles
Ability to dribble with control

Current Skills

Set play understanding and execution
Coordinated team movement
Tactical decision making

Next Steps

Complex multi-phase set plays
Defensive counter-strategies
Tournament play with advanced tactics

Milestone Indicators

Students move as a coordinated unit

Clear understanding of individual roles within set plays

Appropriate timing of movements and passes

Key Teaching Points

Set plays require coordinated movement by all team members
Timing is crucial - moving too early reveals the plan to defenders
Communication between players is essential for success
The centre back often initiates set plays by moving forward with the ball
'Give and go' means pass then move to receive the return pass
Set plays work best when all players understand their individual roles
Good set plays create space for shooting opportunities

Common Misconceptions

Thinking set plays are just about the ball carrier - correct by emphasising every player's role
Believing complex movements are always better - teach that simple, well-executed plans are most effective
Assuming set plays should be used every attack - explain when and why to use them
Thinking defenders can't adapt - discuss how set plays must be varied and unpredictable
Believing individual skill is more important than team coordination - emphasise collective success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement as positive outlet

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns initially, provide extra practice time, use visual and verbal cues together

autism spectrum

Provide clear, structured routines, visual diagrams of set plays, quiet practice time if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of movements, assign sighted buddy for positioning

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapt movements to wheelchair or limited mobility, modify roles within set plays, focus on tactical understanding

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following and giving instructions, using tactical vocabulary

Maths

Calculating angles of movement, timing intervals, counting successful set plays and measuring distances

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, teamwork as a system, cause and effect in tactical decisions

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping movement patterns around court

PSHE

Leadership skills, cooperation and teamwork, resilience when set plays don't work as planned

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulate between groups during practice, elevated position during games for full court visibility

Observation Focus

Look for coordinated team movement, effective communication, appropriate timing of passes and movements

Intervention Points

Step in when groups struggle with timing, when defensive pressure becomes too aggressive, when individuals dominate team play

Demonstration Notes

Use students as demonstrators when possible, exaggerate movements for clarity, repeat key demonstrations multiple times, use positive examples from student practice

Verbal Cues

•'Timing is everything - wait for your moment!'
•'Talk to your teammates - they can't read your mind!'
•'Move as one unit, not as individuals!'
•'Create space for your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, preferably marked handball court

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from hazards and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs for proper inflation and no damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during fast-moving set plays
•Balls striking students during multi-group practice
•Overexertion during competitive game phases

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between practice groups
•Controlled introduction of opposition pressure
•Regular monitoring of activity intensity
•Emphasis on coordination over speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple groups during skill development
•Monitor contact levels during game application
•Watch for signs of fatigue in competitive phases

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid and support