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Lesson 5 - Handball Tournament - Set Ability

Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Handball

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1h 5min

Big Question

How can we organise our team tactics to win a handball tournament?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of handball by applying effective attacking and defending skills in set ability teams
To demonstrate refined passing, moving and shooting techniques under competitive pressure
To switch fluidly between attacking and defending as possession changes

Key Outcomes

Students will apply tactical knowledge to win handball matches
Students will demonstrate consistent technical skills in competitive situations
Students will effectively organise their team for both attacking and defending phases

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

6-8 balls

One ball per court in play, extras for quick restarts

Alternative: Size 1 footballs or netballs if handballs unavailable

Posts

4 sets

Position goals at opposite ends of each court

Alternative: Cones 2m apart or marked areas on wall

Sun Markers

16 cones

Mark two courts with clear boundaries and goal areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or playground markings

Coloured Bibs

15 bibs (3 colours)

Different colours for each team to avoid confusion

Alternative: House team colours or temporary markers

Whistles

3 whistles

One for teacher supervision, two for student referees

Alternative: Hand signals if whistles unavailable

Score Sheets

6 sheets

Track match results and tournament progress

Alternative: Whiteboards or verbal scoring

Key Vocabulary

Set ability teams

Teams organised with players of similar skill levels to ensure fair competition

Possession

When your team has control of the ball

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Defensive tactics

Organised team strategies to prevent the opposition from scoring

Shooting opportunity

A clear chance to attempt to score a goal

Tournament format

A structured competition where teams play multiple matches

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing and catching techniques
Understanding of handball court boundaries and basic rules
Experience with simple attacking and defending movements
Ability to work cooperatively in small teams

Current Skills

Applying tactical knowledge in competitive situations
Demonstrating leadership and team organisation skills
Executing refined passing, moving and shooting under pressure
Switching between attacking and defending roles

Next Steps

Advanced tactical analysis and counter-tactics
Specialist positional play and role understanding
Tournament organisation and sports leadership
Transition to adult handball rules and court sizes

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate passing under defensive pressure

Effective team communication during play

Quick transition between attack and defence

Successful creation of shooting opportunities

Key Teaching Points

Set ability teams ensure fair competition and maximum engagement for all students
Tournament format develops competitive skills while maintaining educational focus
Tactical organisation requires both individual skill and team communication
Leadership opportunities through captaincy and officiating roles
Emphasis on sportsmanship and character development alongside technical skills
Regular rotation ensures all students experience different roles and responsibilities
Assessment focuses on application of skills under competitive pressure

Common Misconceptions

Believing that winning is more important than learning and improvement
Thinking that handball tactics are only about individual skill rather than team coordination
Assuming that set ability teams limit challenge - they actually optimise learning for all
Misunderstanding that competition reduces cooperation - well-structured competition enhances both
Believing that officiating is less important than playing - it develops crucial life skills

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear roles and responsibilities, frequent positive feedback, structured tournament format with regular breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer handballs, simplified rules initially, additional practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure and schedule, quiet area for breaks, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for referee decisions, clear visual demonstrations, written tournament rules and scoring

physical disability

Modified rules for wheelchair users, adapted goals and court size, role as tournament organiser or scorer

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament scoring and points calculations, match timing, statistical analysis of performance

Science

Understanding of forces in throwing and catching, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, court positioning, tactical formations and movement patterns

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork, managing competition, respect and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position between both courts for maximum visibility and control

Observation Focus

Monitor tactical application, technical skill under pressure, and sportsmanship throughout

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, poor sportsmanship, or tactical guidance when needed

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Clear tactical movements, proper handball techniques, and excellent sportsmanship throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Spread wide to create space!'
•'Quick transition - attack to defence!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Create that shooting opportunity!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two handball courts minimum 20m x 40m each, with clear goal areas marked

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for court surface

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goal posts are stable and safely positioned
•Verify bibs are clean and appropriately sized
•Confirm whistles are working for referee use

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive matches
•Ball strikes to face or body during fast play
•Overexertion during tournament competition
•Disputes and poor sportsmanship affecting safety

Risk Mitigation

•Clear goal area boundaries to prevent dangerous play
•Emphasis on controlled passing and shooting
•Regular breaks between matches to prevent fatigue
•Strong referee standards to maintain safe play
•Teacher monitoring of competitive intensity

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee both courts simultaneously
•Monitor referee decisions for safety and fairness
•Watch for signs of overcompetitiveness or fatigue
•Ensure equal participation and rotation

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support