Lesson 1 - Possession & Scoring Skills
Tactical Progression
•Year 6
•Handball
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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
Distributed around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, netballs, or playground balls
Set up at ends of courts with clear goal area markings
Alternative: Cones with crossbar, marked areas on walls
For marking goal areas, boundaries, and game zones
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
Organised by colour for quick team identification
Alternative: Different coloured tops, bands, or stickers
For timing game scenarios and activities
Alternative: Smartphone timer, gym clock
For demonstrating tactics and recording scores
Alternative: Large paper and pens, tactical board
Key Vocabulary
When a team has control of the ball and is able to pass it between players
Moving to an area where you can receive a pass without being closely marked by an opponent
Understanding when, where and why to make decisions during the game
The moment when possession changes from one team to another
A moment when a player has a clear chance to score a goal
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
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