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Lesson 4 - Creating Space & Officiating

Tactical Play & Competitions

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Year 5

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Handball

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can we use accurate passing and intelligent movement to create scoring opportunities whilst officiating fairly?

Learning Objectives

To develop understanding of handball rules and apply this knowledge in mini games
To refine passing and moving skills to create successful attacking opportunities
To take responsibility for officiating games fairly and consistently

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently select appropriate places to shoot and pass accurately under pressure
Students will demonstrate sustained possession through effective passing and movement
Students will apply handball rules correctly when officiating their own games

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 1 footballs, soft play balls

Cones

Used for marking court boundaries and goal areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags

Goals

4 (small goals or target areas)

Positioned at each end of 2 playing areas

Alternative: Cones 2m apart, basketball hoops, wall targets

Bibs

4 different colours (8 of each)

For team identification and referee armbands

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Whistles

One per officiating team

Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable

Stopwatch

For timing 3-second ball holding rule

Alternative: Phone timers, countdown apps

Key Vocabulary

Officiating

Taking responsibility for enforcing rules fairly during a game

Creating Space

Moving intelligently to find areas away from defenders to receive passes

Sustained Possession

Keeping control of the ball for extended periods through accurate passing

Penalty Shot

Free shot awarded when defending team breaks rules in their area

Free Pass

Restart of play awarded to opposition when rules are broken

Interception

Gaining possession by reading and cutting out an opponent's pass

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball ball handling skills
Simple passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
Understanding of basic game structure and objectives
Experience working in small teams

Current Skills

Advanced passing techniques under pressure
Creating and using space effectively
Understanding and applying handball rules
Taking responsibility for fair officiating

Next Steps

Complex tactical awareness and game strategy
Advanced shooting techniques from various angles
Leadership roles in competitive situations
Coaching and mentoring younger students

Milestone Indicators

Sustained possession for 6+ passes consistently

Accurate shooting from 5+ different positions

Confident officiating without teacher intervention

Leading team tactical discussions

Key Teaching Points

Sustained possession is achieved through intelligent passing and movement, not rushing attacks
Confident officiating requires clear decisions, consistent rule application, and respect from all players
Creating space effectively involves deliberate movement away from defenders before receiving passes
Different passing techniques (bounce, overhead, chest) should be selected based on defensive pressure and positioning
Successful team play requires communication, support for ball carriers, and respect for tactical decisions
Fair officiating develops character and understanding of sporting integrity beyond just rule knowledge
Pressure situations in games test skill application more effectively than isolated practice drills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster play always leads to better possession - quality and control are more important than speed
Believing officiating is about catching players making mistakes rather than facilitating fair play
Assuming that holding the ball longer gives more time to make good decisions - quick release often creates better opportunities
Thinking that close marking requires physical contact - skilful defending maintains pressure without touching opponents
Believing that creating space means running as far away as possible rather than intelligent directional changes
Assuming that arguing with officials will change decisions rather than showing respect and focusing on play

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short, focused activities with clear success criteria, regular movement between different roles

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified officiating responsibilities, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear officiating procedures, predictable game structures, quiet zones available during intense activities

visual impairment

Use larger, brightly coloured balls, clear verbal officiating signals, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Clear visual officiating signals, written rule cards available, demonstration-based instruction

physical disability

Modified court size, seated passing variations, adapted officiating roles focusing on observation

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication during officiating, explaining rules and decisions, giving constructive feedback to teammates

Maths

Counting 3-second rule, calculating successful pass percentages, measuring court dimensions and goal areas

Science

Understanding forces in passing, effects of exercise on body systems, physics of ball bouncing

PSHE

Taking responsibility for fair officiating, showing respect for authority figures, developing integrity in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during games to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for sustained possession, effective space creation, confident officiating, and respectful game management

Intervention Points

Step in if officials miss dangerous play, support struggling officials with decision-making, encourage teams maintaining possession effectively

Demonstration Notes

Model confident officiating decisions, demonstrate advanced passing techniques clearly, show positive sporting behaviour throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Find space away from your marker!'
•'Official's decision - respect it!'
•'Keep possession - look for the best passing option!'
•'Confident whistle - you're in charge!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for two small courts, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for quick direction changes and safe landing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

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

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Contact during defensive pressure situations
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball impacts during passing and shooting

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced by officials
•Emphasis on no-contact defending with consistent rule application
•Progressive skill building before competitive application
•Adequate spacing between courts to prevent interference

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both courts during games
•Monitor contact levels during defensive pressure drills
•Support student officials in managing game safety
•Watch for fatigue affecting decision-making and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if qualified, seek additional help if required