Lesson 4 - Anticipation and Shooting Accuracy
Control to Competition
•Year 6
•Handball
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How can reading the game and anticipating movements help us become more effective handball players?
Learning Objectives
- To develop anticipation skills by reading game situations and predicting opponent movements
- To improve shooting accuracy and power through correct technique and body positioning
- To master back-hand passing technique for tactical advantage
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved anticipation by positioning themselves effectively during game play
- Students will execute powerful and accurate shots using correct technique
- Students will successfully pass using back-hand technique in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Have a variety of ball sizes available for differentiation
Alternative: Soft balls, tennis balls for modified activities
Place in centre of square for 'Strike it' activity
Alternative: Medicine ball, large soft play ball
Used for targets, boundaries, and positioning markers
Alternative: Bean bags, chalk markers
Set up multiple shooting stations for maximum practice time
Alternative: Cones 2 metres apart, wall targets
Ensure clear team identification during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team cloths
Key Vocabulary
Reading the game to predict what will happen next and positioning accordingly
Passing the ball from behind the hand using a flicking motion
A fake movement designed to deceive the opponent
Shooting with maximum force while maintaining accuracy
Body positioned at an angle to provide better balance and throwing power
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing and catching techniques
- Understanding of basic handball rules and court layout
- Experience with overarm throwing and shooting
Current Skills
- Advanced anticipation and game reading abilities
- Powerful and accurate shooting under pressure
- Back-hand passing for tactical advantage
Next Steps
- Complex tactical plays and set pieces
- Advanced defensive positioning and pressing
- Leadership roles in competitive handball matches
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Anticipation comes from watching body language and ball position, not just reacting to movements
- Power shooting requires sideways-on position with non-throwing arm guiding direction
- Back-hand passing is most effective when the thrower doesn't look at their target
- Moving to space before receiving the ball is more effective than moving after
- Self-motivation and physical confidence develop through successful technique mastery
- Competitive pressure can improve performance when combined with solid technique foundation
Common Misconceptions
- Students may think anticipation means guessing randomly - emphasise reading visual cues
- Some may believe power comes only from arm strength - demonstrate whole body involvement
- Students might think competitive games are just about winning - reinforce skill development focus
- Some may assume back-hand passing is just showing off - explain tactical advantages
- Students may think sideways positioning is just for throwing - explain defensive benefits
- Some may believe confidence means being loud - demonstrate quiet confidence through skill mastery
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement positively
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment initially, reduce complexity of movement patterns, provide extra practice time and support
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, visual schedules for activities, quiet zones available for breaks
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for positioning, pair with sighted buddy for support
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure clear visual communication
physical disability
- Modify throwing distances, provide seated shooting options, adapt equipment size and weight
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Sports commentary and describing tactics, reading body language and non-verbal communication
Maths
Calculating team scores, measuring distances for court setup, angles of shooting and passing
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, energy transfer in power shooting, friction and ball movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns around court areas
PSHE
Self-motivation and resilience, teamwork and collaboration, managing competitive emotions
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during circle activities, corner positions during court games for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Anticipation skills, shooting technique, back-hand passing development, and competitive engagement levels
Intervention Points
["Step in when technique becomes unsafe", "Support students struggling with anticipation concepts", "Manage competitive intensity levels"]
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students in demonstrating successful anticipation, model competitive spirit balanced with sportsmanship
Verbal Cues
- •'Read the game!'
- •'Sideways-on for power!'
- •'Hide the ball behind your hand!'
- •'Where will they go next?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m for multiple activities
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate boundary marking
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure target balls are appropriate weight for age group
- •Verify cones and markers have no sharp edges or damage
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from powerful throwing
- •Collisions during dynamic movement activities
- •Trips and falls from quick direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing zones with adequate spacing between groups
- •Establish and maintain safe running paths
- •Progressive skill building before full-power activities
- •Clear rules about ball retrieval and movement patterns
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all throwing activities
- •Monitor energy levels during competitive elements
- •Watch for correct technique to prevent injury
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students remain safe and supervised