Lesson 5 - Counter-Attacking & Spacing
Rules & Strategy
•Year 6
•Handball
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How can we quickly turn defence into attack by recognising and using space effectively?
Learning Objectives
- Work as part of a team to switch from defensive play to attacking with speed
- Describe the best areas to attack during a counter-attack
- Attempt to attack space when counter-attacking
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate quick transition from defence to attack
- Students will identify and exploit space during counter-attacks
- Students will communicate effectively with teammates during transitions
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Soft play balls, foam balls
Organised by colour for quick team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts
Used to mark playing areas and goals
Alternative: Markers, spots
Set up at opposite ends and sides of playing area
Alternative: Cones as goal posts, wall targets
Key Vocabulary
Quickly moving from defence to attack when gaining possession
Open areas on the court where opponents are not positioned
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
Taking advantage of weaknesses in the opponent's positioning
Verbal and non-verbal signals between teammates
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball skills (throwing, catching, dribbling)
- Understanding of attacking and defending concepts
- Knowledge of handball rules and court positions
Current Skills
- Counter-attacking techniques
- Space recognition and exploitation
- Quick transition play from defence to attack
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical play and set pieces
- Tournament play with multiple strategies
- Leadership roles in organising team tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Quick transition from defence to attack is crucial for successful counter-attacking
- Space recognition requires constant scanning and communication with teammates
- Patience in attack allows teams to find the best scoring opportunities
- Multiple attacking options force defenders to make difficult decisions
- Effective counter-attacking combines speed of thought with quality execution
- Communication during transitions helps teammates recognise space opportunities
- Creating space for others is as valuable as using space yourself
Common Misconceptions
- Players think they must always attack the nearest goal rather than looking for the best option
- Belief that counter-attacking means rushing without thinking or planning
- Assumption that only the ball carrier needs to look for space, rather than all team members
- Thinking that space only exists where no opponents are standing, rather than understanding space can be created
- Misconception that communication is only needed when you have the ball
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific focus tasks, regular movement breaks, clear visual and auditory cues
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdown of skills
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, defined roles and responsibilities, quiet break areas available, consistent routines and expectations
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of space locations, buddy system for guidance, tactile boundaries where possible
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of all instructions, hand signals for common commands, written instruction cards, ensure visual contact when speaking
physical disability
- Seated handball variations, modified goals at different heights, adapted throwing techniques, shorter distances for participation
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful counter-attacks, calculating percentages of successful transitions, measuring distances covered in attacks, angles of passing
Science
Forces in throwing and catching, momentum in counter-attacks, energy transfer during ball contact, physics of trajectory
Geography
Spatial awareness and mapping court positions, understanding of directional movement (North/South/East/West), positional relationships
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when losing possession, leadership during counter-attacks, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activity areas to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during games
Observation Focus
Watch for space recognition, communication between teammates, speed of transitions, and safety
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with space concepts, unsafe play occurring, or team dynamics breaking down
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples when possible, exaggerate movements for clarity, pause games to highlight good tactical play
Verbal Cues
- •'Where's the space?'
- •'Quick transition!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Look for the less defended goal!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for full games, additional space for multiple activity areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are appropriate size and properly inflated
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during counter-attacks
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Overexertion during competitive games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between different activity areas
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Emphasis on controlled contact only
- •Regular hydration breaks during intense activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
- •Monitor high-activity transition moments closely
- •Watch for signs of fatigue during competitive elements
Emergency Procedures
Stop, assess, appropriate first aid/support. Clear evacuation routes maintained. First aid kit accessible.