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Lesson 3 - Ball Control & Awareness

Control to Competition

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Year 6

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we use our bodies and ball control skills to maintain possession under pressure?

Learning Objectives

To develop advanced dribbling skills whilst maintaining spatial awareness
To master receiving techniques with sideways body positioning
To understand and apply effective shielding techniques using body positioning

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled dribbling whilst travelling in different directions
Students will receive the ball sideways-on consistently under pressure
Students will effectively shield the ball using appropriate body positioning and movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for easier handling

Coloured Bibs

6-8 different colours

Ready for team identification and 'pig' role

Alternative: Bands, spots placed on shirts

Mats

20-30

Mark goal areas and court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Cones, chalk marks on playground

Whistles

For clear game management and transitions

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Dribbling

Bouncing the ball repeatedly with one hand whilst moving

Sideways-on

Body positioned at an angle to see both the ball and opponent

Shielding

Using your body as a barrier between the ball and the opponent

Court markings

Lines and areas that define playing zones and rules in handball

Possession

Having control of the ball and being able to pass, dribble, or shoot

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of court boundaries and basic handball rules
Simple passing techniques including chest pass

Current Skills

Advanced dribbling with directional changes
Sideways receiving technique under pressure
Dynamic shielding with body positioning
Game awareness and communication

Next Steps

Complex attacking patterns and team strategies
Advanced defensive positioning and pressing
Match play with tactical decision making

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control during directional changes

Automatic sideways positioning when receiving

Effective communication during game situations

Quick transition between attack and defence

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise sideways body positioning when receiving for maximum court vision
Maintain one eye on ball, one on opponent during all game situations
Use body as a shield with wide stance and continuous small movements
Demonstrate quick, accurate passing over powerful throws
Encourage immediate movement to new spaces after passing
Reinforce the one-step rule and three-second possession limits
Model effective communication and positive teamwork throughout

Common Misconceptions

That facing the passer directly is the best receiving position - correct with sideways stance
That powerful throws are better than accurate passes - emphasise control and placement
That shielding means standing still with the ball - show dynamic movement needed
That you can take unlimited steps with the ball - reinforce handball-specific rules
That individual skill is more important than teamwork - highlight communication value

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, slower pace initially, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, simplified rules initially

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure clear line of sight for communication

physical disability

Seated versions of activities, adapted equipment sizes, modified court dimensions, alternative roles in games

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting sequences in bounce passing, measuring distances, timing in seconds

Science

Forces and motion in ball bouncing, body mechanics in movement, reaction times

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and angles, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around court perimeter for optimal viewing angles during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, safety awareness, and communication quality

Intervention Points

Step in when safety is compromised, technique needs correction, or students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'Ball on the far side!'
•'Eyes up for passing!'
•'Move after you pass!'
•'Sideways-on to receive!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full court or large hall space, minimum 30m x 20m

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, dry conditions, clear of obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated
•Ensure bibs are in good condition
•Floor spots securely placed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during tag activities
•Ball impact injuries
•Slips during dynamic movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established
•Controlled contact rules enforced
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular safety reminders during activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum court visibility
•Monitor game intensity levels
•Watch for fatigue in later activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, seek additional support if needed