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Lesson 2 - Possession Skills & Officiating

Tactical Progression

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Year 6

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Handball

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Big Question

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

Handballs

6 balls (size 1 for Year 6)

One ball per court, additional balls available at sideline

Alternative: Soft foam balls, netballs

Goals

4 goals (2 per court)

Position at opposite ends of each court, 2m wide approximately

Alternative: Large cones with rope, wall targets, gymnastics benches

Cones

22 cones

Mark court boundaries and goal areas clearly

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, existing court markings

Coloured Bibs

18 bibs (3 colours, 6 per colour)

Different colour per team for easy identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, different shirt colours

Whistles

6 whistles

One per student referee, spare whistles available

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals only

Score Sheets

6 sheets

Simple score tracking for each game pairing

Alternative: Mini whiteboards, verbal scoring

Key Vocabulary

Possession

Having control of the ball and maintaining it within your team

Fluidity

Smooth, continuous movement and passing that flows seamlessly between players

Officiating

Acting as referee to enforce rules, manage the game and ensure fair play

Free Pass

An uncontested pass awarded to the opposing team when a rule is broken

Penalty Shot

A free shot at goal awarded when a defender illegally enters the goal area

Turnover

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

Sustained possession for 6+ passes without turnover

Creating 3+ clear shooting opportunities per game

Officiating complete games without teacher intervention

Demonstrating clear understanding of tactical decisions

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