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Lesson 5 - Counter-Attacking & Spacing

Rules & Strategy

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Year 6

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Handballs

1 per 2-3 students (15)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Soft play balls, foam balls

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 different colours)

Organised by colour for quick team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different coloured shirts

Cones

Used to mark playing areas and goals

Alternative: Markers, spots

Goals

Set up at opposite ends and sides of playing area

Alternative: Cones as goal posts, wall targets

Key Vocabulary

Counter-attack

Quickly moving from defence to attack when gaining possession

Space

Open areas on the court where opponents are not positioned

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Exploitation

Taking advantage of weaknesses in the opponent's positioning

Communication

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

Students can identify space within 3 seconds of gaining possession

Teams can execute counter-attacks in under 8 seconds

Students can communicate space opportunities to teammates

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.