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Lesson 4 - Anticipation and Shooting Accuracy

Control to Competition

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Year 6

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Handball

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1h 3min

Big Question

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

Handballs

15-20 (mixture of sizes)

Have a variety of ball sizes available for differentiation

Alternative: Soft balls, tennis balls for modified activities

Large Target Ball

1 per group

Place in centre of square for 'Strike it' activity

Alternative: Medicine ball, large soft play ball

Mats

30-40

Used for targets, boundaries, and positioning markers

Alternative: Bean bags, chalk markers

Goals

4-6

Set up multiple shooting stations for maximum practice time

Alternative: Cones 2 metres apart, wall targets

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Ensure clear team identification during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team cloths

Key Vocabulary

Anticipation

Reading the game to predict what will happen next and positioning accordingly

Back-hand pass

Passing the ball from behind the hand using a flicking motion

Feint

A fake movement designed to deceive the opponent

Power shooting

Shooting with maximum force while maintaining accuracy

Sideways-on position

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

Consistently anticipates opponent movements

Scores from various angles and distances

Uses back-hand passing to create space and opportunities

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