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Lesson 2 - Overhead Passing

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Handball

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Big Question

How can mastering different passing techniques give your team a tactical advantage in handball?

Learning Objectives

Understand where and how overhead passing is used strategically in handball
Perform overhead passes with accuracy using varied weight, speed, flight and direction
Apply passing technique in progressive game situations from 3v1 to 6v6

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent overhead passing technique with 80% accuracy
Students will successfully complete tactical passing sequences in small-sided games
Students will explain the strategic importance of varied passing in handball

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

2 full size or 4 small goals

Distribute around court perimeter before lesson begins

Alternative: Size 1 footballs or tennis balls for those with grip difficulties

Coloured Bibs

15 (2 different colours)

Pre-sorted into team sets ready for distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Dish Cones

20-30 assorted colours

Available for court marking and drill boundaries

Alternative: Flat markers or chalk lines on outdoor surfaces

Digital Cameras

1 for recording and analysis

Fully charged with adequate storage space

Alternative: Smartphone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Overhead Pass

A passing technique where the ball is thrown using an overarm action from above shoulder height

Sling Action

The technique of bringing the throwing arm back fully before releasing forward

W-Shape Formation

Hand position for receiving where thumbs and index fingers create a W shape

Pivot Man

A player positioned centrally who receives and distributes passes to create attacks

Playmaker

The player responsible for creating attacking opportunities through tactical passing

5 + 1

Tactical formation with 5 outfield players and 1 goalkeeper

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and grip from Lesson 1
Understanding of attacking and defending principles
Basic spatial awareness and movement

Current Skills

Overhead passing technique with sling action
Receiving technique using W-shape formation
Tactical application in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced passing under defensive pressure
Combination plays and set moves
Goalkeeper passing techniques

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy over 10m distance

Successful passes under time pressure

Strategic decision-making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Hand spread around ball with fingertips controlling, not palm gripping
Sling action with arm going back as far as anatomically possible
Ball maintained above shoulder height throughout passing motion
Elbow leads forward motion with hand following through to target
W-shape hand formation for receiving with eyes tracking ball
Communication essential for tactical success in game situations
Progressive challenge from static drills to dynamic game application

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'Throwing harder makes passes more accurate' - Correction: Technique and follow-through create accuracy
Misconception: 'Low passes are faster' - Correction: High passes avoid defenders and create better angles
Misconception: 'Individual skill is more important than teamwork' - Correction: Handball success requires coordinated team passing
Misconception: 'One passing technique works for all situations' - Correction: Different scenarios require adapted technique applications

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback for focus

dyspraxia

Simplified technique breakdown, larger equipment options, additional practice time for motor patterns

autism spectrum

Clear routines established, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available during games

visual impairment

Use bright orange handballs, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, tactile guidance for hand positioning

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signal communication system

physical disability

Seated passing variations, modified throwing distances, larger target areas for accuracy

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating passing accuracy percentages, measuring distances, angles of passing, timing activities

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, body mechanics and leverage, energy transfer in passing action

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, court dimensions and measurements, tactical formations

PSHE

Team cooperation and communication, resilience when facing challenges, leadership development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter during drills for 360-degree observation, central position during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Technique accuracy, communication between students, safety awareness, engagement levels

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe practice, provide technique correction, manage game flow and fairness

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion for technique breakdown, exaggerate key points for clarity, include common errors in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Sling it back!'
•'High and over!'
•'Show me your W!'
•'Elbow through first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 40m x 20m sports hall or outdoor handball court with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water, debris or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Handballs properly inflated and inspected for damage
•Cones positioned to mark boundaries clearly without creating trip hazards
•Goals securely positioned and stable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during passing activities
•Collisions between students during movement activities
•Slips and falls on court surface
•Overexertion during intensive game activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing requirements enforced during all activities
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Regular hydration breaks during intensive sections
•Proper warm-up to prevent muscle strain

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all students during drill activities
•Monitor physical exertion levels especially during games
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury from poor mechanics

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation routes maintained