Lesson 5 - Set Plays and Team Coordination
Skills & Game Strategies
•Year 5
•Handball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 1 footballs, soft play balls
Used for Battleships game and marking positions
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
Clearly distinguish teams during activities
Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers
Placed in central neutral zone
Alternative: Bean bags, small cones, foam blocks
Key Vocabulary
A pre-planned tactical movement involving multiple players to create scoring opportunities
Pass the ball then immediately move into space to receive it back
The player positioned centrally who often initiates attacking plays
Practice without active defenders, focusing on movement patterns
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
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