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Lesson 1 - Passing and Receiving

Tactical Play & Competitions

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Year 5

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

How can we combine accurate passing and intelligent movement to dominate possession in handball?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and refine passing and receiving skills at pace
To apply tactical awareness in creating and using space effectively
To demonstrate sustained possession through effective decision-making

Key Outcomes

Students will pass and receive with accuracy and consistency under pressure
Students will create and exploit space through intelligent movement
Students will maintain possession for extended periods through tactical play

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

15 (1 per 2 students)

Check inflation, distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Rubber playground balls, size 4 footballs

Cones

Mark boundaries, goal areas, and activity zones

Alternative: Bibs, markers, chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

15 (5 each of 3 colours)

Ensure clear team identification for all activities

Alternative: Different coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Having control of the ball and keeping it within your team

Space

Empty areas on the court where you can receive or move into

Passing Lane

The clear path between the passer and receiver

Support

Moving to help your teammate with the ball by offering passing options

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic two-handed passing technique
Simple catching whilst stationary
Understanding of invasion game principles

Current Skills

Accurate passing at pace whilst moving
Receiving in space under pressure
Tactical decision-making for possession

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques
Defensive positioning and interception
Full game application with goalkeepers

Milestone Indicators

Students maintain possession for 6+ consecutive passes

Quick decision-making reduces turnovers

Fluid movement creates consistent space

Key Teaching Points

Possession requires both accurate passing and intelligent movement
Creating space through movement is as important as the pass itself
Quick decision-making prevents turnovers and maintains flow
Teamwork and communication are essential for sustained possession
Supporting the ball carrier by offering multiple passing options

Common Misconceptions

Thinking possession means holding the ball as long as possible - actually it's about quick, smart passing
Believing that harder/faster passes are always better - accuracy and timing matter more
Assuming space creation means running far away - often small movements are more effective
Thinking only the ball carrier needs to make decisions - all players must read the game

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity periods with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear and simple instructions

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced complexity in movements, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available during intense activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for movement

hearing impairment

Use visual hand signals for instructions, written game rules displayed, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Seated handball version possible, modified throwing distances, adapted equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive passes, calculating team scores, measuring court dimensions and distances

Science

Understanding forces in ball flight, biomechanics of throwing and catching, fitness and health concepts

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and movement patterns, mapping court positions and movements

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with pressure and making decisions, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity areas to observe all groups, position for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for passing accuracy, space creation movement, and possession decision-making

Intervention Points

Step in when contact occurs, when possession breaks down repeatedly, or when students show frustration

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for space creation, slow motion for passing technique, clear verbal explanations

Verbal Cues

•'Create space!'
•'Quick decision!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Heads up, look for options!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m indoor court or suitable outdoor hard surface

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from debris, check for wet patches or loose objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated but not over-pressurised
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are in good condition with no tears

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during fast movement
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Contact during defensive pressure

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate buffer zones
•No contact rule strictly enforced throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Appropriate spacing maintained between groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all students
•Monitor contact levels during pressure activities
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, inform office if necessary