Handball - Lesson 4

The fourth lesson in a Year 4 handball series focuses on enhancing the pupils' passing and shooting skills, with the ultimate goal of applying these skills in a competitive context. The lesson is structured to ensure that by the end of the session, pupils are able to pass and shoot the ball with precision. The warm-up involves a playful activity called 'Mr Men', where children move according to the characteristics of various Mr. Men characters, such as 'Mr. Slow' for moving slowly and 'Mr. Bounce' for bouncing, which not only gets their bodies moving but also injects fun into the exercise. The main part of the lesson highlights the importance of spatial awareness and the efficiency of passing over running with the ball. Pupils practice passing in groups and work on shooting techniques, with a focus on using one hand and ensuring a high arm position for power and accuracy. The lesson includes a variety of drills, such as passing laterally, shooting at a target in a 'D' formation, and playing Speed Ball, which emphasizes quick passing and movement.

To conclude the session, the pupils engage in a competitive game called Target Shooting, where they are split into teams and aim to knock down objects placed on the halfway line, scoring points for each object moved into the opposing team's half. This activity not only consolidates their shooting skills but also encourages teamwork and strategic thinking. The cool-down phase includes a game called 'Tigers', where 'Fish' (the pupils) jog around while 'Tigers' (two chosen pupils) attempt to hit them below the knees with a bean bag, teaching agility and accuracy under a playful scenario. The lesson wraps up with a 'Follow my Leader' activity to ensure pupils stretch and relax their muscles after the high-energy session. Throughout the lesson, pupils are encouraged to reflect on their performance and the techniques used, fostering a deeper understanding of the skills required in handball.