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Lesson 2 - Screening and Blocking

Rules & Strategy

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Year 6

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Handball

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45 min

Big Question

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

Handballs

15-20

Distributed around teaching area for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, tennis balls

Cones

20-30

Mark target areas and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 colours)

Distinguish teams clearly in game activities

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured tops

Targets

4-6

Mark scoring areas at different heights and distances

Alternative: Cones, hoops, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Screening

A tactic used by an attacking team to legally block a defender from reaching the attacker with the ball

Front Screening

Blocking a defender whilst facing them, allowing you to see their movements

Back Screening

Blocking a defender with your back to them, allowing you to see where your teammate is going

Timing

Choosing the right moment to screen - not too early or too late

Legal Block

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

Can demonstrate legal screening position

Uses screening to create space for teammates

Communicates effectively during screening plays

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