Handball Lesson

Download the ultimate lesson in PDF

Download the lesson in PDF

Learning Outcomes

LO1: Understand the basic rules and objectives of the small-sided, adapted basketball game (Catch Ball and final scrimmage).
Key Skills: Managing Information and Thinking, Communicating

LO2: Demonstrate fundamental movement skills in warm-up exercises (mobility, activation, dynamic balance).
Key Skills: Staying Well, Managing Myself

LO3: Execute core basketball skills—catching, controlled dribbling through zig-zags, passing, and shooting—across four simultaneous circuit stations.
Key Skills: Managing Myself, Being Creative

LO4: Apply ball-control and passing sequences in possession games (10-pass challenge), maintaining spatial awareness and team communication.
Key Skills: Working with Others, Staying Well

LO5: Participate effectively in the final adapted game, using taught skills (catch-and-pass, shooting after ten passes, free-player dynamic) and self-officiating where possible.
Key Skills: Managing Information and Thinking, Communicating, Working with Others

LO6: Exhibit positive attitude, cooperation, and sportsmanship throughout the session—assisting peers, encouraging teammates, and demonstrating respect for all players.
Key Skills: Staying Well, Managing Myself

Curriculum 🇮🇪

Junior Cycle Physical Education
Strand: Games
Key Skills: Staying Well; Working with Others; Managing Myself; Communicating; Being Creative; Managing Information and Thinking

Target Group

Junior Cycle students (ages 12–15)

Duration

1 hour

Success Criteria / Quick Assessment

Game Application: In the final adapted scrimmage, teams fulfill the requirement of 10 consecutive passes before attempting a shot, demonstrate correct alignment in Catch Ball (2 bounces = 1 point), and use the “free” player effectively.

Differentiation Strategies

EAL/SEN Learners:

Provide bilingual labels and simple pictograms at each station (e.g., “Catch → Pass,” “Dribble → Shoot”).
Allow these learners to practice one component at a time (e.g., stand stationary and catch before combining dribble + shoot).

Warm up

Setup: Gather students in a circle.
Aim: Raise heart rate, improve joint mobility, and build team energy.
Action: Count aloud from 1 to 5 (one count per second). Once everyone reaches 5, switch to the next exercise (if the group is very large, count only to 2 or 3).
Exercises:

Jumping Jacks
Split Jacks
Predator Jacks
Forward Lunge
Backward Lunge
Lying – Knees In
Lying – Knees Out

Seated Hip Rotation (90/90)
Game: Touch the back of a partner’s knees without letting them touch yours.

Circuit

Station 1 – Catch Ball

Setup: Mark out a rectangle and divide it in half. Assign one half to each team; no player may step into the opposing team’s half.
Aim: Develop catching under pressure, accurate throws, and spatial awareness of the court.
Rules: To score a point, throw the ball into the opposing half so it bounces twice or more. If the ball bounces twice, it’s a point. If the ball is caught after just one bounce, the catcher may take up to three steps before throwing it back into the opposing half.
Format: First team to 5 points wins. (2 vs 2, 3 vs 3)

Station 2 – Shooting Sequence

Setup: Form a line at the point directly in front of the goal.
Aim: Improve controlled dribbling through a zig-zag and accurate shooting from game-ready positions.
Action: Each student dribbles through a zig-zag zone while maintaining control before taking a shot at the goal.

Station 3 – Control & Shooting Circuit

Setup: A multi-part circuit divided into stations. Students complete one full lap using only their right hand, then a second lap using only their left.
Aim: Enhance ball-handling dexterity, ambidextrous control, and transition into a shot under fatigue.
Sequence:

Dribble through zig-zag cones.
Jump over hoops while maintaining dribble control.
Dribble while seated (leaned back) to the next station.
Execute a pass to a partner.
Retrieve the returned ball and sprint back to Station 1.
Finish with a shot at the goal.

Station 4 – 10-Pass Possession

Setup: Define a small playing area. Both teams share this space.
Aim: Build teamwork, communication, and precise short passes under defensive pressure.
Rules: Complete ten consecutive passes without the opposing team intercepting. If the ball goes out of bounds or a player steps out, possession switches.
Format Variations: 2 vs 2, 3 vs 3, 4 vs 4

Game Situation

Setup: Use the longest net or court area available. Form small-sided teams (e.g., 4 vs 4 or rotating 3-team format).
Aim: Apply learned skills in a realistic game scenario, reinforcing rules, teamwork, and decision-making.
Adaptations:

Every player on the team must touch the ball before a shot.
Teams must complete ten passes before attempting a shot.
Introduce one “free” player who always acts as an attacker.