Developing Handball Passing

Lesson Overview

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Year Group: 7
Duration: 25 minutes
Class Size: 21 students
Focus: Passing in Handball – Overarm Pass & Hit Pass
Curriculum Area: National Curriculum for Physical Education (KS3)
Level: Key Stage 3 (Students should build on fundamental movement skills and develop accuracy, technique, and tactical awareness.)

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

• Understand the key techniques of the overarm pass and hit pass in handball.
• Develop accuracy and control in passing.
• Apply passing skills within a small-sided game.

Success Criteria

• Basic: Can perform an overarm and hit pass with some accuracy.
• Proficient: Can pass with control and accuracy in static and dynamic settings.
• Advanced: Can use both passes effectively in a game scenario, adjusting power and direction.

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up (5 Minutes)

Activity: Dynamic Passing Circuit

• Jog & Ball Pass: In pairs, students jog around the court while passing a handball back and forth with a chest pass.
• Lateral Movement & Reaction: Students side-step while passing. They must react to their partner’s movement and adjust passes accordingly.
• Quick Feet Challenge: Players do fast feet (small, quick steps on the spot) before reacting to a pass.

Key Coaching Points:
✅ Keep eyes on the ball at all times.
✅ Extend arms fully when making passes.
✅ Follow through towards target for accuracy.

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2. Skill Development – Overarm Pass (8 Minutes)

Explanation & Demonstration (2 Minutes)

• Teacher demonstrates overarm pass:
  • Stand sideways to the target with non-dominant shoulder facing forward.
  • Step forward with opposite foot while throwing.
  • Use wrist snap for power.
  • Follow through with fingers pointing to target.

Drill – Target Passing (6 Minutes)

• Students work in groups of three.
• Player 1 stands 3 metres away from Player 2, who holds a target (e.g., cone or hoop).
• Player 3 acts as a rebounder, retrieving the ball.
• Objective: Successfully hit the target 5 times before switching roles.
• Progression: Increase passing distance.

Key Coaching Points:
✅ Wide, balanced stance for stability.
✅ Follow-through ensures greater accuracy.
✅ Adjust power based on distance.

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3. Skill Development – Hit Pass (7 Minutes)

Explanation & Demonstration (2 Minutes)

• Teacher demonstrates hit pass:
  • Used for quick, short-distance passes.
  • One-handed push rather than a throw.
  • Wrist-driven for speed and precision.
  • Keep ball in dominant hand and push using controlled force.

Drill – Moving Triangle Passing (5 Minutes)

• Students form triangles (3 students per group).
• Players pass to each other using the hit pass while jogging.
• Challenge: Increase speed without losing control.

Key Coaching Points:
✅ Light grip for quick wrist action.
✅ Aim for teammate’s chest for easy reception.
✅ Keep body balanced while moving.

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4. Applied Game – Passing Pressure (5 Minutes)

• 3 vs. 3 Mini Matches (7 groups, rotating opponents every minute).
• Teams must complete 5 passes using both the overarm and hit pass before taking a shot.
• Bonus: Extra point awarded for teams that execute a successful sequence using both passes.

Key Coaching Points:
✅ Decision-making: Choose the best pass type based on positioning.
✅ Communication: Call out teammate’s name before passing.
✅ Accuracy under pressure: Ensure quality passes while being defended.

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Assessment & Plenary (2 Minutes)

• Teacher Q&A: "When is an overarm pass more effective than a hit pass?"
• Feedback: Students self-evaluate their accuracy and control.
• Takeaway Challenge: Practise target passing at home using a wall as a rebounder.

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Differentiation

Support:
✔ Shorter distances for beginners.
✔ Static passing before dynamic drills.

Challenge:
✔ Increase pace and passing distance.
✔ Introduce defenders into passing drills.

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Equipment Needed

• 7 handballs
• Cones/hoops for targeting
• Bibs for teams

Teacher’s Reflection

📝 Did students demonstrate improvement in passing?
📝 Were they able to apply skills under game pressure?

This lesson balances technical skills with engaging activities, ensuring progress in handball passing techniques at a Key Stage 3 level. 🚀