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Lesson 1 - Possession & Scoring Skills

Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we use tactical thinking and teamwork to maintain possession and create scoring opportunities in handball?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate passing and moving skills to maintain possession in game scenarios
To develop tactical understanding of creating and exploiting scoring opportunities
To apply decision-making skills when switching between attacking and defending roles

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate refined passing and moving techniques in game situations
Students will create and execute team tactics for maintaining possession
Students will show understanding of roles and responsibilities during attacking and defending phases

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

15-20 (size 1 or 2 for Year 6)

Distributed around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, netballs, or playground balls

Goals

4-6 (including small goals for mini games)

Set up at ends of courts with clear goal area markings

Alternative: Cones with crossbar, marked areas on walls

Cones

40-50

For marking goal areas, boundaries, and game zones

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Bibs

30 (multiple colours)

Organised by colour for quick team identification

Alternative: Different coloured tops, bands, or stickers

Stopwatch

1-2

For timing game scenarios and activities

Alternative: Smartphone timer, gym clock

Sun Markers

1 set

For demonstrating tactics and recording scores

Alternative: Large paper and pens, tactical board

Key Vocabulary

Possession

When a team has control of the ball and is able to pass it between players

Creating Space

Moving to an area where you can receive a pass without being closely marked by an opponent

Tactical Awareness

Understanding when, where and why to make decisions during the game

Transition

The moment when possession changes from one team to another

Shooting Opportunity

A moment when a player has a clear chance to score a goal

Fluidity

Smooth, continuous movement and passing that flows naturally

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing techniques from Year 5
Understanding of invasion game principles
Basic shooting techniques and goalkeeping skills
Knowledge of simple attacking and defending strategies

Current Skills

Advanced possession play with tactical awareness
Creating and exploiting scoring opportunities
Fluid transition between attacking and defending
Team leadership and tactical communication

Next Steps

Complex game strategies involving multiple tactical options
Advanced positional play and specialised roles
Tournament play with consistent tactical application
Peer coaching and tactical analysis skills

Milestone Indicators

Sustained possession for 60+ seconds

Creating 3+ scoring opportunities per 5-minute game

Successful execution of planned team tactics

Effective leadership and communication during play

Key Teaching Points

Possession is maintained through quick passing and intelligent movement
Create space by moving away from defenders and supporting teammates
Tactical awareness involves scanning, assessing options, and making smart decisions
Transition quickly between attacking and defending when possession changes
Team success comes from all players understanding and executing their roles
Communication is essential for effective team tactics and possession play
Shooting opportunities are created through patient build-up and good positioning

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: The ball carrier must do everything alone. Correction: Emphasise team support and shared responsibility for possession
Misconception: Faster is always better. Correction: Show how controlled, tactical play is more effective than rushing
Misconception: Only attackers create scoring opportunities. Correction: Explain how defenders contribute to possession and counter-attacks
Misconception: Tactics are too complex for Year 6. Correction: Demonstrate how simple tactical concepts improve enjoyment and success
Misconception: Individual skill is more important than teamwork. Correction: Show examples of how team tactics overcome individual limitations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear objectives, regular movement opportunities, clear boundaries and rules, positive reinforcement for appropriate behaviour

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, larger/softer equipment, step-by-step skill breakdown with visual supports

autism spectrum

Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent structure and predictable transitions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, clear audio signals for game changes

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instructions on boards, use of visual cues for game transitions, peer support for communication

physical disability

Adapted court sizes and rules, modified equipment if needed, seated or alternative movement options, focus on tactical understanding rather than physical execution

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Tactical vocabulary development, communication skills, explaining strategies and giving instructions clearly

Maths

Calculating scores and statistics, measuring court dimensions, timing scenarios, analysing shooting angles and trajectories

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball flight, body systems during exercise, levers and movement principles

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns, mapping court areas and zones

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges, communication and negotiation skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts during mini games to observe tactical development, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding through movement patterns, decision-making under pressure, and quality of team communication

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify rules, provide tactical guidance when teams struggle, ensure fair play and safety

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate good examples, make tactical concepts visual through movement, emphasise key teaching points through repetition and varied examples

Verbal Cues

•'Look for space!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Quick transition!'
•'Think tactics!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m sports hall or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate footwear for handball activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goals are stable and properly secured
•Cones placed safely to avoid tripping hazards
•Bibs in good condition without loose parts

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during fast-paced game scenarios
•Ball strikes to head or body during passing and shooting
•Slips and falls on court surface during quick direction changes
•Goalkeeper injuries from close-range shots or collisions

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and enforced throughout lesson
•Adequate spacing between courts during mini games
•Progressive skill building from stationary to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on controlled movements and spatial awareness
•Goalkeeper rotation to prevent fatigue and maintain alertness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts and activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during mini games
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Ensure fair play and appropriate competitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support as needed