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Lesson 6 - Handball Tournament Competition

Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we apply our handball skills and tactics to compete successfully in a tournament setting?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate understanding of handball through competitive gameplay
To apply effective attacking and defending tactics in mixed ability teams
To develop leadership and officiating skills through tournament management

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate refined passing, moving and shooting skills in competitive situations
Students will execute attacking and defending tactics effectively during tournament matches
Students will officiate games and provide constructive feedback to team members

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

4-6 balls

Place balls at court boundaries for quick retrieval

Alternative: Size 2 footballs or netballs if handballs unavailable

Posts

4 goals (2 per court)

Position goals at opposite ends of each court

Alternative: Cones with crossbar or wall targets

Sun Markers

16 cones

Mark two handball courts side by side

Alternative: Chalk lines or rope boundaries

Markers

8 cones

Create 6-metre goal areas that outfield players cannot enter

Alternative: Chalk lines or flat markers

Bibs

18 bibs (3 colours)

Three different colours for team identification

Alternative: Bands or different coloured t-shirts

Whistles

2 whistles

One for each officiating team

Alternative: Voice commands if whistles unavailable

Score Sheets

2 clipboards with score sheets

Track match results and tournament standings

Alternative: Digital scoring on tablet or phone

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other to determine a winner

Mixed ability

Teams composed of students with different skill levels working together

Officiating

Acting as a referee to ensure fair play and rule enforcement

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and how to use different strategies during gameplay

Possession

Having control of the ball and the opportunity to attack

Fluidity

Smooth transition between different phases of play

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball rules and court layout
Fundamental passing, catching and shooting techniques
Simple attacking and defending principles
Basic positional play understanding

Current Skills

Applying tactics in competitive match situations
Officiating and rule enforcement
Team leadership and organisation
Advanced attacking and defending strategies

Next Steps

Inter-school handball competitions
Advanced tactical variations and set plays
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Transition to adult handball rules and strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of tactics throughout matches

Effective communication and leadership during games

Fair and accurate officiating of matches

Positive impact on team performance through individual contribution

Key Teaching Points

Tournament success comes from teamwork and tactics, not individual brilliance
Effective officiating requires confidence, fairness and clear communication
Mixed-ability teams succeed when stronger players support developing teammates
Competitive pressure reveals character - maintain sportsmanship throughout
Leadership emerges through encouragement, inclusion and positive example
Tactical awareness develops through experience and reflection on what works
Every role in the tournament contributes to overall success and learning

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Only the strongest players determine team success. Reality: Handball requires all team members to contribute through passing, movement and support.
Misconception: Winning matches is more important than fair play. Reality: Tournament success includes sportsmanship, improvement and team development.
Misconception: Officiating is less important than playing. Reality: Good officials enable fair competition and develop leadership skills.
Misconception: Tactics are too complex for Year 6 students. Reality: Simple tactics like 'pass and move' and 'mark your player' are very effective.
Misconception: Mixed-ability teams are unfair. Reality: Balanced teams create better learning opportunities for all students.

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use clear boundaries and frequent role changes, provide immediate feedback and praise, break tournament into shorter segments, offer movement breaks between matches

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment if needed, provide additional practice time, simplify movement patterns, offer alternative officiating roles, focus on effort over precision

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament structure and visual schedule, allow quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines, prepare for changes with advance notice

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal commentary of game action, assign sighted partner for support, use audio signals for game management

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals and demonstrations, provide written rules and instructions, assign communication partner, use visual cues for game management

physical disability

Adapt court size and equipment as needed, modify rules for wheelchair users, provide alternative roles such as specialist officiating, ensure accessible positioning

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during matches, vocabulary development through handball terminology, explaining tactics and strategies, giving and receiving feedback

Maths

Tournament scoring systems, calculating points and standings, time management during matches, statistics analysis of team performance

Science

Understanding heart rate during exercise, forces in throwing and catching, friction and movement, body systems during competitive activity

Geography

Understanding space and positioning on court, tactical positioning concepts, mapping movement patterns and formations

PSHE

Leadership skills, teamwork under pressure, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others, managing emotions during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively between both courts during matches, positioning for optimal view of all players and potential hazards

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application under pressure, team dynamics, officiating quality, and safety throughout competitive play

Intervention Points

Step in if play becomes too physical, teams need tactical guidance, officials require support, or safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Model positive coaching behaviour, celebrate good play from all teams, show support for officials, demonstrate excellent sportsmanship yourself

Verbal Cues

•'Great teamwork!'
•'Remember your tactics!'
•'Excellent officiating decision!'
•'Keep it fair and safe!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two handball courts minimum 20m x 40m each, with 2m safety margin around perimeter

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, non-slip court markings clearly visible

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure goal posts are stable and securely positioned
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Confirm bibs are clean and in good condition

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during intense competition
•Falls due to rapid direction changes
•Ball impacts to face or body
•Overexertion during competitive play
•Disputes leading to aggressive behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries and safety zones established
•Regular breaks and rotation prevent overexertion
•Emphasis on controlled contact and sportsmanship
•Teacher actively supervising both courts
•Officials trained to stop play for safety concerns

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position between courts for maximum visibility of both games
•Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
•Ensure officials are making safety-focused decisions
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overheating

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, ensure other students remain calm and supervised