Lesson 3 - Attacking Patience & Positioning
Rules & Strategy
•Year 6
•Handball
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How can we use patience and positioning to create goal-scoring opportunities when attacking the D?
Learning Objectives
- Identify and utilise effective positions around the D when attacking
- Explain the importance of patience and space creation when building attacks
- Apply tactical decision-making about when to shoot versus retaining possession
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate strategic positioning around the D to support team attacks
- Students will show patience in possession, waiting for optimal shooting opportunities
- Students will make tactical decisions about shooting timing in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Netballs or size 3 footballs if handballs unavailable
Mark out D areas and possession game boundaries
Alternative: Marker discs or chalk lines
Arrange in team sets for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands or ask teams to use PE kit colours
Position goals at opposite ends with clear D markings
Alternative: Large cones 3m apart or marked areas on wall
Key Vocabulary
The semicircular area in front of the goal where specific handball rules apply
Keeping possession of the ball rather than attempting an immediate shot
A player who is not being marked and is available to receive a pass
Defensive technique where defenders block attacking players' shooting angles
Moving to draw defenders away and create gaps for teammates
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing and catching techniques
- Understanding of the D area and shooting rules
- Basic defensive positioning concepts
Current Skills
- Strategic positioning around the D
- Patience in possession and attack building
- Tactical decision-making for shooting timing
Next Steps
- Advanced attacking formations and set plays
- Counter-attacking strategies from defensive positions
- Complex team coordination and communication
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Patience in possession is more effective than rushing attacks
- Positioning around the D should create multiple passing options
- Space creation comes from moving defenders, not just individual skill
- Decision-making about shooting timing is crucial for success
- Three-step rule must be applied correctly in shooting situations
- Teamwork and communication enhance individual tactical understanding
- Defenders will move if attackers show patience and create threats
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that getting the ball means you must shoot immediately - emphasise patience and passing options
- Believing that bunching together creates more attacking options - demonstrate how spreading creates better angles
- Assuming that faster play is always better - show how patience creates better opportunities
- Thinking individual skill is more important than team positioning - highlight collective success
- Misunderstanding the three-step rule - provide clear demonstrations and practice opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Allow extra time for skill development, provide simplified movement patterns, use larger targets initially, offer additional practice opportunities
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for activity progression, allow quiet processing time, offer sensory breaks if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of positioning, assign sighted buddy for guidance around the D
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written tactical instructions, ensure clear eye contact when giving instructions
physical disability
- Modify positioning requirements, allow seated or alternative shooting positions, adjust D area size, provide appropriate ball alternatives
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting passes in possession games, calculating shooting percentages, measuring distances and angles around the D
Science
Understanding forces in ball projection, analysing movement patterns, discussing reaction times and decision-making
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning concepts, understanding of angles and directions around the court
PSHE
Teamwork and communication skills, patience and perseverance, leadership and encouraging others
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move actively between groups, position to see multiple activities, stay visible to all students
Observation Focus
Watch for tactical understanding, safe play, skill application, and positive teamwork
Intervention Points
Step in if students rushing attacks, unsafe play occurring, or confusion about tactics
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, show both good and poor examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Patience - wait for the space!'
- •'Spread around the D!'
- •'Great positioning - now find the free player!'
- •'Perfect timing on that shot!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Full sports hall or outdoor court with clearly marked D areas, minimum 30m x 20m per game
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface with clear line markings and no obstacles
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure goals are stable and securely positioned
- •Verify all cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Check bibs are clean and in good repair
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players when moving around the D
- •Ball strikes to head or body during shooting practice
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Overexertion during game activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established between playing areas
- •Adequate spacing between practice groups
- •Progressive skill building before full game play
- •Controlled defending - no tackling or physical contact
- •Regular water breaks during intensive activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple groups during practices
- •Move actively between games during application phase
- •Monitor for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure safe ball collection and distribution
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, call for additional support if needed