Lesson 2 - Possession Skills & Officiating
Tactical Progression
•Year 6
•Handball
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How can we master possession, create attacking opportunities, and officiate fairly in handball to win games consistently?
Learning Objectives
- To consolidate understanding of handball rules and apply them effectively in mini games
- To demonstrate fluent passing and moving skills to create successful attacking opportunities
- To develop confident officiating skills while maintaining fair play and game control
Key Outcomes
- Students will apply refined passing and moving skills to score points against opposing teams
- Students will demonstrate effective decision-making to outwit opponents and maintain possession
- Students will officiate games confidently whilst applying rules consistently and fairly
Equipment & Resources Required
One ball per court, additional balls available at sideline
Alternative: Soft foam balls, netballs
Position at opposite ends of each court, 2m wide approximately
Alternative: Large cones with rope, wall targets, gymnastics benches
Mark court boundaries and goal areas clearly
Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, existing court markings
Different colour per team for easy identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, different shirt colours
One per student referee, spare whistles available
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals only
Simple score tracking for each game pairing
Alternative: Mini whiteboards, verbal scoring
Key Vocabulary
Having control of the ball and maintaining it within your team
Smooth, continuous movement and passing that flows seamlessly between players
Acting as referee to enforce rules, manage the game and ensure fair play
An uncontested pass awarded to the opposing team when a rule is broken
A free shot at goal awarded when a defender illegally enters the goal area
When possession changes from one team to another
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic handball passing techniques (chest pass, bounce pass)
- Understanding of invasion game principles
- Knowledge of basic handball rules and court layout
- Experience of playing in small-sided games
Current Skills
- Refined passing under pressure in game situations
- Fluent movement patterns to create space and opportunities
- Advanced tactical understanding of attack and defence roles
- Confident officiating and rule application
Next Steps
- Advanced set plays and tactical formations
- Leadership roles in organising team strategies
- Tournament organisation and management
- Coaching and mentoring younger students
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Maintain strict no-contact rule throughout all activities for safety and fair play
- Emphasise quick decision-making under pressure - 3-second possession rule
- Develop officiating confidence through supported referee experiences
- Create sustained attacking sequences through patient team play
- Focus on role transitions between attack and defence
- Build fluent movement patterns that create scoring opportunities
- Foster respect for student referees and their decision-making authority
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking contact is allowed - reinforce no-contact rule consistently
- Believing fast play means rushed decisions - emphasise controlled pace
- Assuming referee decisions can be argued - teach acceptance and respect
- Thinking individual skills are more important than team play
- Misunderstanding goal area rules - clarify goalkeeper-only area
- Confusion about when possession changes - practice transition moments
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, regular position changes, clear immediate feedback, additional movement breaks
dyspraxia
- Larger handball for easier catching, extended practice time, simplified movement patterns, patient skill building
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet zones available, simplified rule explanations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and bibs, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for referee decisions, provide written rule cards, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Seated handball version, modified court size, adapted ball size, flexible rules for mobility aids
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills for officiating, team instructions, and rule explanations to others
Maths
Scoring systems, time management during games, measuring court dimensions and calculating areas
Science
Understanding forces in ball flight, impact of surface friction on movement, heart rate changes during activity
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles for passing, map reading skills for court positioning
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions under pressure, leadership through officiating, respect for authority
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between both courts regularly, position at corners for diagonal view of maximum activity
Observation Focus
Watch for rule application, skill execution under pressure, and positive team cooperation
Intervention Points
Step in if contact occurs, support struggling referees, and address any unsporting behaviour immediately
Demonstration Notes
Use student volunteers to demonstrate skills and scenarios, emphasise referee positioning and signals clearly
Verbal Cues
- •'Quick passing!'
- •'Find the free player!'
- •'Good decision referee!'
- •'Create space!'
- •'Support your teammate!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Two courts minimum 30m x 20m each, clear of obstacles and with safe run-off areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for dynamic movement and sudden stops
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
- •Ensure goal posts/targets are stable and secure
- •Cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Whistles are clean and functioning
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between players during dynamic games
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Slips and falls during quick direction changes
- •Over-competitive behaviour leading to contact
Risk Mitigation
- •Enforce strict no-contact rule throughout all activities
- •Clear court boundaries established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between courts and groups
- •Progressive skill building from low to high pressure
- •Student referees to manage game intensity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of both courts simultaneously
- •Monitor high-activity areas around goals closely
- •Support student referees with decision-making
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and contact school office if serious injury occurs