Lesson 2 - Overhead Passing
Fundamentals & Tactics
•Year 9
•Handball
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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
Distribute around court perimeter before lesson begins
Alternative: Size 1 footballs or tennis balls for those with grip difficulties
Pre-sorted into team sets ready for distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers
Available for court marking and drill boundaries
Alternative: Flat markers or chalk lines on outdoor surfaces
Fully charged with adequate storage space
Alternative: Smartphone with video capability
Key Vocabulary
A passing technique where the ball is thrown using an overarm action from above shoulder height
The technique of bringing the throwing arm back fully before releasing forward
Hand position for receiving where thumbs and index fingers create a W shape
A player positioned centrally who receives and distributes passes to create attacks
The player responsible for creating attacking opportunities through tactical passing
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
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