Lesson 3 - Ball Control & Awareness
Control to Competition
•Year 6
•Handball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, netballs for easier handling
Ready for team identification and 'pig' role
Alternative: Bands, spots placed on shirts
Mark goal areas and court boundaries clearly
Alternative: Cones, chalk marks on playground
For clear game management and transitions
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Key Vocabulary
Bouncing the ball repeatedly with one hand whilst moving
Body positioned at an angle to see both the ball and opponent
Using your body as a barrier between the ball and the opponent
Lines and areas that define playing zones and rules in handball
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
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