Lesson 2 - Screening and Blocking
Rules & Strategy
•Year 6
•Handball
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How can we use our bodies to help teammates create space and scoring opportunities?
Learning Objectives
- To understand the concept of screening as a tactical skill in invasion games
- To develop the ability to use screening effectively in small-sided activities
- To apply screening techniques in game situations with decision-making
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to explain what screening is and when to use it
- Students will demonstrate front and back screening techniques with good timing
- Students will apply screening tactically in game situations to help teammates
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around teaching area for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls
Mark target areas and boundaries
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Distinguish teams clearly in game activities
Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tops
Mark scoring areas at different heights and distances
Alternative: Cones, hoops, chalk circles
Key Vocabulary
A tactic used by an attacking team to legally block a defender from reaching the attacker with the ball
Blocking a defender whilst facing them, allowing you to see their movements
Blocking a defender with your back to them, allowing you to see where your teammate is going
Choosing the right moment to screen - not too early or too late
Using only your body position to screen, not arms, hands, or legs
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball skills from Unit 1
- Understanding of space and movement
- Awareness of attacking and defending roles
Current Skills
- Screening technique and positioning
- Tactical awareness in invasion games
- Communication and teamwork
Next Steps
- Advanced handball tactics
- Complex team formations
- Tournament play with multiple strategies
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Screening uses body position only - never hands, arms, or legs for contact
- Timing is crucial - screen too early and defender goes around, too late and they're already past
- Front screening allows you to see defender's movement, back screening lets you see teammate's direction
- Communication between screener and ball carrier is essential for success
- Screening should be used tactically, not on every attack
- Legal screening position must be stationary when contact occurs
- Eye contact and signals help coordinate screening plays effectively
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think they can use hands or arms to push defenders - emphasise body position only
- Many believe screening means running into the defender - teach about positioning and timing instead
- Some think you screen on every attack - explain tactical decision-making about when to screen
- Students may not understand the difference between front and back screening advantages
- Common belief that bigger students are always better screeners - teach that positioning and timing matter more
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular positive feedback, clear boundaries and expectations
dyspraxia
- Break down movements into smaller steps, extra practice time, use of visual cues for positioning
autism spectrum
- Clear structure with visual timetable, consistent routines, quiet space available if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured bibs and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations extensively, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapted screening positions (seated/standing), modified movement requirements, focus on tactical understanding
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Angles of movement around screens, measuring effectiveness percentages, calculating successful screening ratios
Science
Forces and motion in screening, centre of gravity and balance, physics of blocking movement
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, directions of movement, mapping court areas and zones
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, helping others succeed, fair play values
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Position at corner of teaching area for visibility of all students, move between groups during skill development
Observation Focus
Watch for legal screening technique, effective timing, positive team communication
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if illegal contact used, when students struggling with technique, if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Demonstrate: Always show legal positioning clearly, exaggerate good technique for visibility, use students as positive examples when possible
Verbal Cues
- •'Body position only - no hands!'
- •'Time it perfectly!'
- •'Read the defender's movement!'
- •'Communicate with your teammate!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor hard court, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for surface type
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Verify bibs are clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Illegal contact during screening leading to collisions
- •Students moving too fast without control
- •Confusion about legal vs illegal screening contact
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear demonstration of legal screening positions only
- •Emphasis on no hands/arms/legs for contact
- •Progressive build-up from static to dynamic activities
- •Regular reinforcement of safety rules
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during practice
- •Monitor high-activity game areas closely
- •Intervene immediately if illegal contact observed
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if collision occurs, assess injury appropriately, administer first aid as trained, contact emergency services if required