Lesson 4 - Creating Space & Officiating
Tactical Play & Competitions
•Year 5
•Handball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 1 footballs, soft play balls
Used for marking court boundaries and goal areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, bean bags
Positioned at each end of 2 playing areas
Alternative: Cones 2m apart, basketball hoops, wall targets
For team identification and referee armbands
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
One per officiating team
Alternative: Hand signals only if whistles unavailable
For timing 3-second ball holding rule
Alternative: Phone timers, countdown apps
Key Vocabulary
Taking responsibility for enforcing rules fairly during a game
Moving intelligently to find areas away from defenders to receive passes
Keeping control of the ball for extended periods through accurate passing
Free shot awarded when defending team breaks rules in their area
Restart of play awarded to opposition when rules are broken
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
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