Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Ball Control
Control to Competition
•Year 6
•Handball
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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
Pre-distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Size 3 footballs, playground balls if handballs unavailable
Mark activity boundaries and distances
Alternative: Markers, bean bags for boundaries
Individual standing positions for defending activities
Alternative: Chalk marks, small cones
Ensure accurate 5-metre distances
Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones
Key Vocabulary
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, weight on balls of feet, ready to move quickly in any direction
Passing technique where ball bounces once between sender and receiver, aimed two-thirds of the distance
Supporting teammates by positioning behind them to collect missed passes or rebounds
Moving the ball by bouncing it continuously with fingertips while travelling
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
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