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Lesson 6 - Level 1 Tournament

Tactical Play & Competitions

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Year 5

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we apply all our handball skills in competitive tournament play?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate mastery of handball skills in competitive tournament situations
To apply tactical understanding in game contexts against different opponents
To show leadership, teamwork and sportsmanship throughout tournament play

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully apply passing, moving and shooting skills in competitive matches
Students will demonstrate effective attacking and defending transitions
Students will manage their own teams and officiate games independently

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

6-8 balls

2 balls per pitch, extras available for warm-up

Alternative: Size 1 footballs or soft touch rugby balls

Goals

4 small goals or targets

Position goals at opposite ends of each playing area

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

Cones

22 cones

Mark out 2-3 playing areas and goal areas

Alternative: Bibs, markers, or chalk lines

Bibs

30 bibs in different colours

Different colours for each team and referees

Alternative: Coloured bands or team shirts

Score Sheets

1 per team

For teams to track their tournament progress

Alternative: Clipboards with paper

Whistles

3.5 whistles

For student referees to control matches

Alternative: Voice commands or hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple matches to determine an overall winner

Round Robin

A tournament format where each team plays against every other team once

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Tactical Awareness

Understanding when and how to use different strategies during the game

Team Management

Organising player positions and making strategic substitutions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic handball passes with accuracy
Students understand attacking and defending principles
Students can work cooperatively in team situations
Students know the basic rules of handball

Current Skills

Applying skills under competitive pressure
Making tactical decisions in real-time
Managing teams and rotating positions
Officiating games independently

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play including set pieces
Leadership roles in inter-school competitions
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Analysis of professional handball tactics

Milestone Indicators

Consistent skill execution under pressure

Effective communication during matches

Fair and accurate officiating

Positive leadership behaviours

Key Teaching Points

Tournament structure provides authentic context for applying all handball skills under pressure
Balance competitive spirit with learning objectives and character development
Student leadership through captaincy, team management, and officiating develops independence
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as technical skill and tactical understanding
Reflection and analysis help students understand their learning journey in handball
Extended competition allows assessment of sustained performance quality
Peer officiating develops rule understanding and decision-making skills

Common Misconceptions

Winning is more important than applying skills correctly - emphasise process over outcome
Tournament pressure means rules can be relaxed - maintain high standards throughout
Only the best players should be captains - rotate leadership opportunities
Referees should favour their friends' teams - teach neutral, fair officiating
Tired players can't maintain good technique - coach energy management strategies
Competition eliminates fun from learning - show how challenge enhances enjoyment

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter match durations with frequent rotations, clear role assignments, provide movement opportunities between matches

dyspraxia

Slower ball speed, larger targets, simplified tactical instructions, buddy system for complex organisational tasks

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament schedule and structure, create quiet spaces for breaks, use visual timetables for match rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of tournament progress, assign sighted buddy for referee duties

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for tournament updates, provide written tournament brackets and rules, assign roles that don't require verbal communication

physical disability

Modify rules to allow seated play or walking pace, adjust court sizes, provide adaptive equipment, ensure meaningful participation roles

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication during captaincy, giving constructive feedback, following complex tournament rules

Maths

Tournament point calculations, match timing, statistical analysis of team performance

Science

Understanding energy systems during extended competition, recovery between matches

Geography

Spatial awareness in tactical positioning, understanding playing area dimensions and boundaries

PSHE

Leadership responsibilities, managing emotions under pressure, respecting opponents and officials

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between courts allowing visibility of all matches and ability to provide quick feedback

Observation Focus

Balance between skill execution, tactical application, and social behaviours throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, referee disputes, or unsporting behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Provide specific tactical advice between matches, model positive sportsmanship, celebrate effort and improvement alongside results

Verbal Cues

•'Quick passing, quick movement!'
•'Support your teammates!'
•'Play the ball, not the player!'
•'Good referees help both teams!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m for two courts, clear boundaries marked

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

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

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during fast-paced matches
•Overexertion during extended tournament play
•Emotional reactions to competitive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and goal areas established
•Regular hydration breaks during tournament
•Emphasis on fair play and sportsmanship
•Adult supervision of emotional responses

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between courts for maximum visibility
•Monitor fatigue levels throughout tournament
•Be alert to emotional tensions between teams

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, contact emergency services if required