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Lesson 5 - Tactical Game Play

Fundamentals & Tactics

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Year 9

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Handball

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Big Question

How can we combine individual skills with tactical awareness to outwit opponents and dominate in handball?

Learning Objectives

To demonstrate the ability to outwit an opponent in game situations using appropriate handball skills and techniques
To apply tactical principles of attack, defence and transpossession in small-sided games
To accurately assess performance using established criteria and provide constructive feedback to peers

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully execute handball skills under pressure in competitive situations
Students will demonstrate understanding of tactical principles through effective team play
Students will use assessment criteria to evaluate their own and others' performances accurately

Equipment & Resources Required

Handballs

2-4 goals depending on space

Store in mesh bag at centre of area for easy distribution

Alternative: Size 1 footballs or netballs for grip practice

Team bibs

30 bibs (2 sets of contrasting colours)

Pre-sort into team sets for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands, team pinnards

Cones

20-30 cones in multiple colours

Use for court markings, boundary definition and tactical positioning

Alternative: Markers, spots, chalk lines

Score Sheets

1 per student

Laminated sheets with dry-wipe pens for reuse

Alternative: Clipboards with observation sheets, digital tablets

Stopwatch

2-3 stopwatches

One for teacher timing, others for student-led activities

Alternative: Mobile phone timers, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Transpossession

The transition phase between losing and gaining possession of the ball

Pivot Player

The central attacking player positioned near the opponent's goal area

Playmaker

The player who organises attacking moves and creates scoring opportunities

Wing Players

Players positioned on the sides of the court who attack from wide angles

5+1 Formation

Defensive formation with 5 court players and 1 goalkeeper

7m Line

The penalty line from which penalty throws are taken

9m Line

The free throw line marking the minimum distance for defensive walls

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic handball techniques including passing, catching and travelling with the ball
Understanding of fundamental rules including 3-step rule and basic court positions
Experience with defensive positioning and simple attacking movements

Current Skills

Advanced tactical application under pressure
Effective team communication and coordination
Performance assessment and peer evaluation skills
Officiating and leadership capabilities

Next Steps

Advanced set plays and specialist positional roles
Tournament play with full regulations
Coaching and mentoring younger students
Analysis of professional handball tactics

Milestone Indicators

Students make effective tactical decisions under time pressure

Teams demonstrate coordinated attacking and defensive movements

Students provide accurate and constructive performance feedback

Games flow smoothly with minimal rule infringements

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise tactical decision-making over individual skill execution
Encourage constant communication between teammates during all activities
Focus on legal contact and sporting behaviour in defensive situations
Promote understanding of specialist positions and their responsibilities
Develop assessment literacy through regular self and peer evaluation
Connect individual skills to team tactical success
Build confidence through progressive skill application under increasing pressure

Common Misconceptions

Students may think handball is just throwing and catching - emphasise tactical complexity and positional play
Students often believe faster play is always better - teach controlled, tactical play over rushed actions
Common misconception that defence is just about tackling - emphasise positioning and anticipation
Students may think individual skill is more important than teamwork - consistently reinforce collaborative play
Students often underestimate the importance of communication - explicitly teach and reward team communication
Misconception that rules are restrictive - explain how rules create fair and tactical gameplay opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular changes, clear visible boundaries, frequent positive feedback, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier handling, reduced complexity of movements initially, extra practice time, clear step-by-step instructions

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines for activities, visual schedule of lesson progression, designated quiet zones, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use high-contrast balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for game events

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all instructions, clear hand signals for communication, written tactical boards, vibrating timer for game periods

physical disability

Seated handball variations, modified court sizes, adapted equipment including lighter balls, wheelchair accessible playing areas if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, following and giving instructions, technical vocabulary development, evaluation and assessment language

Science

Physics of ball flight and spin, body mechanics during throwing and catching, cardiovascular response to exercise, forces and motion in sport

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping team movements, understanding of space and territory in tactical games

Mathematics

Calculating shooting angles, measuring court dimensions, statistical analysis of game performance, angles of passing and tactical positioning

PSHE

Leadership development, conflict resolution, emotional regulation under pressure, respect and fair play, teamwork and cooperation

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at court edge for visibility of all students while maintaining ability to intervene quickly in game situations

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical application, skill execution under pressure, team communication, and sporting behaviour throughout activities

Intervention Points

Step in immediately if safety concerns arise, when rules are consistently broken, or if students need tactical guidance to progress

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use clear, exaggerated movements for tactical positioning. Show both correct and incorrect examples for clarity. Use students as models when appropriate.

Verbal Cues

•'Use your positions!'
•'Quick passing!'
•'Support your teammate!'
•'Stay legal in defence!'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear space for full games, with additional 2m safety zone around perimeter

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from loose balls, water, or debris that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check handballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure goals are stable and securely positioned
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage
•Check bibs are clean and in good repair

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Player collisions during fast-paced game situations
•Contact injuries during defensive play
•Ball strikes to face or body during passing and shooting
•Slips and falls on court surface

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and respected
•Progressive skill building reducing injury risk
•Emphasis on legal contact only during defensive play
•Adequate spacing between different activity groups
•Proper warm-up including handball-specific movements

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all game areas
•Monitor high-contact situations closely
•Ensure rule compliance to prevent dangerous play
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required, complete accident report