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Lesson 1 - Handball Basics

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Handball

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can we use space, teamwork and ball skills to create attacking opportunities in handball?

Learning Objectives

To understand the basic rules and objectives of handball
To develop fundamental handball skills of throwing, catching and dribbling
To apply basic tactical understanding in small-sided games

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of handball rules through game play
Students will perform basic handball techniques with increasing control
Students will work effectively as part of a team in competitive situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

4 goals (or targets)

Store in equipment bag near court entrance for easy distribution

Alternative: Netballs or volleyballs if handballs unavailable

Coloured Bibs

30 (2 sets of different colours)

Pre-sort into team sets before lesson begins

Alternative: Coloured bands or pinnies

Dish Cones

20 cones

Use to mark court boundaries and activity areas

Alternative: Dome markers or chalk lines

Score Sheets

1 per student

Clipboards for easy completion during activities

Alternative: Digital assessment on tablets

Laptop/Tablet

Test video playback before lesson, ensure volume is audible

Alternative: Large poster showing handball rules

Key Vocabulary

7m line

The semi-circular line in front of goal where penalty throws are taken from

9m line

The outer semi-circular line that marks the free-throw line

Travelling

Taking more than 3 steps with the ball without dribbling

Pivot Man

The central attacking player who receives passes with back to goal

Playmaker

The player who organises attacks and distributes passes

Wing Players

The wide attacking players who create crossing opportunities

5 + 1

Formation with 5 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper

Over arm passing

The fundamental handball throwing technique using overhead motion

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from primary school
Understanding of invasion game principles
Experience with teamwork and cooperation

Current Skills

Handball-specific catching and throwing techniques
Understanding of handball court positions and rules
Basic tactical awareness in attack and defence

Next Steps

Advanced passing techniques and shooting
Complex tactical formations and set plays
Specialist position play and roles

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball control under moderate pressure

Self-regulation of rule application

Effective communication during game play

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise the 3-step rule as fundamental to handball - students must understand this limits movement
Focus on overarm throwing technique with high elbow position for power and accuracy
Stress the importance of watching the ball all the way into hands during catching
Reinforce that handball is a non-contact sport - body position beats physical contact
Encourage constant communication between teammates during all activities
Build understanding that handball combines individual skills with team tactics
Develop appreciation for fair play and sportsmanship as core values of the sport

Common Misconceptions

Students think handball is like football with hands - clarify the unique rules and objectives
Confusion about when the 3-step count resets - explain it resets after each dribble
Belief that bigger/stronger players always win - emphasise skill and teamwork over size
Thinking that handball goals are the same size as football goals - show the smaller dimensions
Misconception that any contact is allowed - stress the non-contact nature of the sport
Assumption that travelling is only about running - include walking and stepping violations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries and structure, offer movement breaks and fidget tools

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier catching, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time and patience

autism spectrum

Establish clear routines and expectations, provide visual schedule of lesson activities, create quiet zones for regulation

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, implement buddy system for guidance and support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, develop hand signals for key instructions, provide written rule summaries

physical disability

Adapt to seated throwing and catching, modify court size and distances, provide specialist equipment if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during games, vocabulary development, listening skills during instruction and feedback

Science

Understanding forces in throwing and catching, physics of ball flight, biomechanics of running and jumping

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, reading court layouts, understanding directions and movement patterns

Mathematics

Counting steps for travelling rule, measuring court dimensions, calculating scores and statistics from games

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, conflict resolution, building resilience and persistence, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between activities and courts to monitor all students effectively

Observation Focus

Watch for skill development, rule application, safety compliance, and positive social behaviours

Intervention Points

Step in when rules are misunderstood, techniques need correction, or social issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show both correct and incorrect techniques for contrast, involve students in demonstrations when possible

Verbal Cues

•'High elbow for strong throws!'
•'Watch the ball into your hands!'
•'Count your steps - one, two, three!'
•'Use your body position, not your hands!'
•'Talk to your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space, divided into two courts if possible

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Ensure goals are securely positioned and stable
•Verify cones and markers are not damaged with sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during game play
•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing practice
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes
•Overexertion leading to fatigue and injury risk

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and communicated to all students
•Adequate spacing maintained between activities and players
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Regular hydration breaks and monitoring for fatigue signs
•No contact rule strictly enforced during games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position at corner of activity area for maximum visibility
•Move between courts during games to monitor all players
•Pay special attention to defensive practice for contact
•Watch for signs of frustration or aggressive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek medical assistance as required