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Big Question

How can different passing styles help us maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in handball?

Learning Objectives

  • To explore and apply different passing techniques including shoulder and bounce passes
  • To understand when and why to use specific passing styles in game situations
  • To combine passing and movement to create successful attacking opportunities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate effective shoulder and bounce pass techniques
  • Students will make tactical decisions about which pass to use in different situations
  • Students will maintain possession through varied passing combinations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs
1 per 2 students (15 balls)

Distributed around area perimeter, properly inflated

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, rugby balls for grip practice

Cones
22 cones

Mixed colours for goal corners and area marking

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines for boundaries

Goals
4-6 goals

Goals positioned with clear goal area markings

Alternative: Cone goals 2m wide, wall targets with tape

Bibs
15 bibs (3 different colours)

For easy team identification during games

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Shoulder pass

A direct overarm pass thrown from shoulder height with power and accuracy

Bounce pass

A pass that bounces on the ground before reaching the receiver, used to avoid defenders

Possession

When a team has control of the ball and can make attacking decisions

Defender positioning

Where the defending player stands to try to intercept passes or block movement

Attacking opportunity

A situation where the attacking team has a good chance to score

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic shoulder pass technique from previous handball lessons
  • Understanding of possession in invasion games
  • Basic movement to receive a pass

Current Skills

  • Bounce pass technique and application
  • Tactical decision-making in passing selection
  • Creating space through passing combinations

Next Steps

  • Advanced shooting techniques after passing moves
  • Defensive pressing and interception tactics
  • Full game application with goalkeepers

Milestone Indicators

1
Consistent accuracy in both passing techniques
2
Quick decision-making under pressure
3
Effective communication during attacking moves

Key Teaching Points

  • Bounce passes are most effective when defenders are close - demonstrate this clearly
  • Shoulder passes work best when receivers have space - show the difference
  • Pass selection should be tactical, not random - encourage decision-making
  • Movement after passing is crucial for maintaining possession
  • Communication between teammates improves passing accuracy
  • Practice both techniques regularly to build confidence
  • Game application helps students understand when to use each pass type

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking bounce passes are harder than shoulder passes - show they're just different tools
  • Believing you should always use the same type of pass - emphasise tactical variation
  • Assuming bounce passes always bounce multiple times - teach the single bounce technique
  • Thinking defenders can't be beaten - show how correct pass selection creates opportunities
  • Believing passing is just about getting rid of the ball - emphasise creating attacking opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback and attention
dyspraxia
  • Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time
autism spectrum
  • Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet area available if needed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted buddy
hearing impairment
  • Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards
physical disability
  • Seated passing versions, modified targets at appropriate heights, adapted ball sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful passes, calculating score ratios, measuring distances for pass accuracy

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of trajectory for different passes

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience when losing possession, supporting teammates through encouragement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between games to observe and provide feedback, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical pass selection, accurate technique, and positive team cooperation

Intervention Points

Stop activities to highlight excellent examples of pass selection or correct common mistakes

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing techniques, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues
  • •'Bounce pass when defenders are close!'
  • •'Look for space before you pass!'
  • •'Pass and move to help your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area, multiple smaller courts for games

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and catching

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check handballs are properly inflated and not damaged
  • •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • •Verify goal structures are stable and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Collisions between players during games
  • •Ball strikes to face or body
  • •Slips and falls on court surface
  • •Overexertion during intense games
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear boundaries established for all activities
  • •Emphasise controlled contact only in games
  • •Progressive skill building before full games
  • •Regular breaks and hydration reminders
  • •Clear rules about handball contact levels

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position for visibility of all groups during games
  • •Monitor intensity levels throughout lesson
  • •Watch for fatigue or overexertion signs
  • •Be ready to intervene if contact becomes excessive
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, follow school protocols