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Lesson 1 - Double Dribble & Handball Rules

Rules & Strategy

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Year 6

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Handball

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Big Question

How can mastering the double dribble rule and the three 3's transform your handball game strategy?

Learning Objectives

To apply the double dribble rule accurately in competitive game situations
To demonstrate comprehensive understanding of the three 3's rules in handball
To play competitively in 4v4 games using tactical awareness and rule knowledge

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently apply the double dribble rule during dribbling sequences
Students will referee their own games using handball rules with confidence
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making in competitive 4v4 situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

1 per student (30)

Pre-positioned around court perimeter for quick collection

Alternative: Size 4 footballs, netballs, or basketball for grip practice

Dish Cones

22 cones

Used for court boundaries, zones, and goal markers

Alternative: Spot markers, bean bags, or chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 different colours)

Ready for quick team identification during games

Alternative: Team bands, coloured t-shirts, or pinnies

Whistles

4-6 whistles

For student referees and teacher oversight

Alternative: Voice commands with clear hand signals

Stopwatch

For timing 3-second possession rule demonstrations

Alternative: Phone timer or visible clock

Key Vocabulary

Double Dribble

A fault where a player catches the ball with both hands and then begins dribbling again

Three 3's Rules

Three key handball rules: 3 steps maximum, 3 seconds maximum possession, 3 metres distance for defending

Possession

When a team has control of the ball and is attempting to score

Intercept

Legally taking the ball from opponents without physical contact

Territorial Gain

Moving the ball forward towards the opponent's goal area

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing and catching skills
Understanding of simple invasion game principles
Basic dribbling techniques with dominant hand
Awareness of court boundaries and basic positioning

Current Skills

Double dribble rule application and recognition
Advanced rule understanding (three 3's rules)
Tactical dribbling for territorial gain
Self-refereeing and conflict resolution skills

Next Steps

Advanced shooting techniques and accuracy
Complex team formations and strategies
Tournament play with multiple teams
Advanced defending and marking techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rule application without teacher intervention

Confident self-refereeing and rule explanations

Strategic thinking evident in game situations

Leadership shown in team organisation

Key Teaching Points

Double dribble rule is fundamental to handball fair play and must be applied consistently
The three 3's rules create the tactical framework that makes handball strategic and exciting
Self-refereeing develops character, leadership, and conflict resolution skills beyond sport
Tactical decision-making under rule constraints builds problem-solving abilities
Fair play and honest rule application are more important than winning games
Progressive challenge through game variations maintains engagement while developing skills
Spatial awareness and movement quality are enhanced through rule-based constraints

Common Misconceptions

Double dribble confusion with basketball rules - handball allows continuous one-handed dribbling
Three-second rule only applies when standing still - it applies whenever holding the ball
No-tackling zone means no defending - interception and positioning are still allowed
Rule breaks should be ignored in competitive games - self-refereeing is always important
Only designated players can referee - all players should develop refereeing skills
Rules restrict fun and flow - rules actually create fair, strategic, and enjoyable games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear movement boundaries, regular positive feedback, specific roles and responsibilities to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for skill development, patient rule explanation with repetition

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson activities, consistent routines and expectations, quiet space available if needed, advance warning of rule changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance, use tactile markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of all rules, written rule cards available, use hand signals for referee calls, visual time indicators for 3-second rule

physical disability

Modified ball sizes and weights, seated versions of activities where appropriate, adapted court sizes, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in refereeing, vocabulary development with handball terms, instruction giving and following, debate and discussion about fair play

Maths

Counting steps and seconds, measuring distances for 3-metre rule, calculating scores and point values, understanding area and perimeter of courts

Science

Understanding forces in ball movement, physics of dribbling and passing, body systems during exercise, reaction times in defending

PSHE

Conflict resolution through self-refereeing, leadership skills, teamwork and cooperation, resilience under competitive pressure

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing observation of multiple games simultaneously, rotate between courts for individual support

Observation Focus

Rule application under pressure, self-refereeing quality, tactical decision-making, fair play and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, support struggling rule application, facilitate conflict resolution, provide tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate rule applications for clear understanding, show confident referee signals, model good sportsmanship and conflict resolution

Verbal Cues

•'Count your steps clearly!'
•'Remember the three-second rule!'
•'Call it out with confidence!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'
•'Excellent fair play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, indoor hall or outdoor court surface

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, adequate boundary space around courts

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bibs are clean and tears-free
•Test whistles for clear sound without obstruction

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body during play
•Collisions between players during competitive games
•Trips or falls due to surface conditions or equipment
•Overexertion during intensive game periods

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate safety zones
•No-tackling zone enforced strictly to prevent contact
•Progressive skill building before competitive games
•Emphasis on spatial awareness and controlled movement
•Regular breaks and hydration opportunities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all game areas
•Monitor competitive intensity to prevent dangerous play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure rule compliance to maintain safe play

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal for serious incidents, first aid assessment, appropriate medical response, incident recording