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Lesson 4 - Defensive Strategies

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Handball

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Big Question

How can defenders use legal contact and positioning to create an impenetrable defensive wall?

Learning Objectives

Identify appropriate cues for making legal tackles and understand the consequences of excessive contact
Apply zonal defence principles combining handball techniques with basketball knowledge
Understand the importance of applying pressure as defenders while experiencing it as attackers

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate legal defensive contact techniques safely and effectively
Students will apply zonal defence strategies in game situations
Students will understand and explain the difference between legal contact and fouls in handball

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

2 main goals + 4 small goals

Store in central basket for easy distribution

Alternative: Size 2 footballs or netballs

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 different colours)

Separate into attacking and defending teams clearly

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or bands

Dish Cones

Mark out zones, boundaries and restricted areas

Alternative: Spot markers or tennis balls

Digital Cameras

For recording technique demonstrations and feedback

Alternative: Smartphone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Zonal Defence

A defensive strategy where players guard specific areas of the court rather than individual opponents

Legal Contact

Physical contact that is permitted in handball when the defender is directly between the attacker and goal

9-metre Line

The line from which free throws are taken after defensive fouls

Man-to-Man Defence

Defensive strategy where each defender is responsible for marking a specific opponent

Excessive Contact

Illegal physical contact that endangers the opponent or prevents fair play

Defensive Pressure

The act of closing down space and time for attackers to make decisions

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball passing and shooting techniques
Understanding of basketball defensive principles
Knowledge of basic handball court markings and rules

Current Skills

Legal contact techniques in handball
Zonal defence positioning and movement
Transition between defensive strategies
Understanding of handball-specific defensive rules

Next Steps

Advanced defensive systems and formations
Goalkeeping techniques and positioning
Attacking strategies to break defensive systems

Milestone Indicators

Consistently makes legal contact without fouling

Maintains defensive shape during zonal defence

Can explain when to use different defensive strategies

Key Teaching Points

Legal contact only occurs when defender is between attacker and goal
Body positioning comes before arm positioning in defensive technique
Zonal defence requires communication and coordinated movement
Excessive contact endangers players and results in penalties
Defensive pressure should force attackers away from goal
Handball defence rules differ significantly from basketball
Team defensive shape is more important than individual tackles

Common Misconceptions

Thinking all physical contact is illegal in handball - correct by demonstrating legal front-on contact
Believing handball defence is same as basketball - emphasise the differences in contact rules
Assuming bigger/stronger players make better defenders - show how positioning and technique matter more
Thinking zonal defence means standing still - demonstrate dynamic movement within zones
Believing excessive contact shows determination - explain how it actually helps the attacking team

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified positioning requirements, extra practice time, larger zones initially

autism spectrum

Clear structure to activities, visual schedule, designated quiet zone if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured bibs and balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, hand signals for defensive calls, written rule cards

physical disability

Modified contact levels, seated defending options, adapted zone sizes

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of approach, spatial geometry in zonal defence, calculating optimal positioning distances

Science

Forces and motion in contact situations, body mechanics in defensive positioning, physics of collision and momentum

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding zones and territories, mapping defensive movements

PSHE

Managing physical contact appropriately, respecting boundaries, teamwork under pressure, conflict resolution

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, corner positions during games to see all students

Observation Focus

Quality of defensive positioning, appropriate contact levels, team communication

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately if contact becomes excessive", "Provide individual coaching during skill practice", "Adjust group dynamics if competitive balance poor"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, contrast legal vs illegal contact clearly, involve students in demonstrations for engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Body first, then arms!'
•'Get between player and goal!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Control the contact!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or outdoor court minimum 20m x 40m

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from debris and water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated
•Ensure goals are stable and secure
•Cone edges are not sharp or damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during contact drills
•Inappropriate or excessive contact
•Falls from poor balance during defensive positioning

Risk Mitigation

•Clear demonstration of legal vs illegal contact
•Progressive introduction of physical contact
•Constant monitoring of contact intensity
•Similar-sized pairings for safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all contact activities
•Monitor energy levels and fatigue
•Watch for signs of frustration or aggression

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required