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Review basic skills, rules and tactics of handball

Lesson details

Learning outcome

I can move with the ball and abide by the basic rules of handball.

Key learning points

  1. Move: taking three steps with the ball in hand enables the creation of space to pass or shoot.
  2. Move: dribbling low and close using fingertips helps to stay in control and quickly change direction or speed.
  3. Think: players can dribble the ball but can only hold it for a maximum of three seconds before passing or shooting.
  4. Feel: adapting to rules that allow three steps whilst carrying the ball takes time to reset the muscle memory.
  5. Connect: supporting less confident classmates shows kindness.

Keywords

  • Invasion game - a team sport where players try to move into the other team’s area to score points or goals while defending their own

  • Dribble - repeatedly bounce the ball while moving

  • 3 steps - a player can take up to 3 steps whilst holding the ball

Common misconception

Pupils think that to take 3 steps with the ball, you have to be dribbling.

You only need to dribble if you want to take more than 3 steps. Once you catch the ball, you're allowed 3 steps without dribbling.

Teacher tip

Handballs 3 per 4 pupils, 30 + cone and 8 sets of 4 bibs.

Content guidance

Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
(Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

4 Questions

Q1.
What type of game is handball?

individual game
net/wall game
Correct answer: invasion game

Q2.
Which is not an example of an invasion game?

netball
Correct answer: badminton
basketball

Q3.
How long can you hold the ball for in netball and handball?

1 second
Correct answer: 3 seconds
5 seconds

Q4.
On what type of surface do you play invasion games like handball or basketball?

a pitch
Correct answer: a court
a track

4 Questions

Q1.
What is the maximum number of steps you can take with the ball in handball?

1
2
Correct answer: 3

Q2.
What happens in handball if you take too many steps with the ball?

Correct answer: opposition's free pass
you're sent off
lose a point

Q3.
Which part of the hands should you use to dribble the ball?

palm
Correct answer: fingertips
wrist

Q4.
Handball is different to basketball because you can move with the ball without doing what?

shooting
Correct answer: dribbling
passing

To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Review basic skills, rules and tactics of handball, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...