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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Ball Control

Control to Competition

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Year 6

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Handball

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Big Question

How can improving your ready position and ball control help you become more effective in attack and defence?

Learning Objectives

To develop a consistent ready position for effective movement and ball reception
To improve accuracy in sending the ball using different techniques
To apply dribbling skills through various pathways with control

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate a balanced ready position with quick reactions
Students will send balls accurately to moving targets using bounce passes
Students will work effectively in attack and defence situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per student (30)

Pre-distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls if handballs unavailable

Cones

Mark activity boundaries and distances

Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries

Sun Markers

Individual standing positions for defending activities

Alternative: Chalk marks, small cones

Measuring Tapes

Ensure accurate 5-metre distances

Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move quickly in any direction

Bounce Pass

Passing technique where ball bounces once between sender and receiver, aimed two-thirds of the distance

Backing Up

Supporting teammates by positioning behind them to collect missed passes or rebounds

Dribbling

Moving the ball by bouncing it continuously with fingertips while travelling

Sideways On

Body position when throwing where non-throwing shoulder points toward target

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working in pairs and small groups

Current Skills

Ready position for quick movement
Accurate bounce passing techniques
Dribbling with control through pathways
Supporting teammates through backing up

Next Steps

Advanced passing under pressure
Complex tactical movements
Leadership in game situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ready position maintained throughout activities

80% accuracy in bounce passes over 5 metres

Effective backing up demonstrated in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is foundation for all effective movement and ball reception
Bounce passes should land two-thirds distance to target for optimal reception height
Backing up creates second chances and maintains attacking pressure in games
Dribbling control comes from fingertips pushing down, not palms slapping
Communication and teamwork are as important as individual ball skills
Progressive skill building from stationary to moving to game application
Safety through controlled movements and appropriate equipment use

Common Misconceptions

Ready position means standing completely still - actually requires active balance and readiness to move
Harder throws are always better - accuracy and appropriate pace are more important than power
Individual skill is most important - handball requires strong teamwork and tactical understanding
Bounce passes should bounce halfway - optimal bounce point is two-thirds distance to target
Backing up is only for less skilled players - all players need to support teammates regardless of ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, visual cues for instructions, frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, slower progression through skills, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured handballs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear gestures, written instruction cards, light signals for activity changes

physical disability

Seated versions of passing activities, adapted equipment for easier grip, modified distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during activities, following complex instructions, vocabulary development for handball terms

Science

Forces in throwing and catching, friction between ball and surface, reaction times in ready position

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership in group activities, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between groups, position at activity corners for maximum visibility of all students

Observation Focus

Watch for ready position consistency, passing accuracy development, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play develops, when groups struggle with organisation, or to provide technique coaching

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clear visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key techniques multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - bounce on your toes!'
•'Soft touches with fingertips!'
•'Back each other up!'
•'Pass and move to new space!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 40m hall or playground area, clear of obstacles and with non-slip surface

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from debris, adequate grip for quick movements and direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure soft balls are used for French Cricket to prevent injury
•Cones positioned safely without sharp edges or trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head during passing activities
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips during quick direction changes
•Finger injuries from poor catching technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between groups with adequate spacing
•Emphasis on controlled passing rather than maximum power
•Progressive skill building from stationary to moving activities
•Soft balls used for any targeting activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups simultaneously
•Active monitoring during Cat and Mouse for collision risks
•Close observation of French Cricket for rule compliance
•Immediate intervention if unsafe play develops

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal understood by all students, first aid kit accessible, clear route to medical assistance if required