Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Handball: full context handball game

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can use attacking and defending skills and tactics to impact the game positively for my team.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: to score more goals than our opponents we have to accurately time passes and movement to support the ball carrier.
      2. Move: when our team loses possession, we need to react quickly to be ready to defend and stop the attack.
      3. Think: reflecting on our performance ensures we understand how we can adapt our performance to keep improving.
      4. Feel: always supporting our teammates to help them improve regardless of the score demonstrates integrity.
      5. Connect: utilising playing positions to work with other members of the team in attack and defence shows teamwork.

      Keywords

      • Timing - choosing the right moment to make a pass, shot or move in order to be most effective, taking into account the game's pace and the actions of the other players

      • Attacking - maintain possession and create scoring opportunities

      • Reflection - review and evaluate your actions, decisions and overall outcomes

      Common misconception

      If you are on the losing team, it automatically affects the score you get for your handball assessment.

      For your GCSE PE moderation, you are measured against how well you can demonstrate certain skills, tactics and decision making, not the final score of your game.

      Teacher tip

      It is likely for moderation that each pupil will have to play in two different positions so perhaps use this lesson to establish the best positions for each pupil.

      Equipment

      Handballs (1 between 2), 30+ cones, 8 x 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.
      How does a game of handball start?

      tip off
      sideline pass
      Correct answer: centre pass

      Q2.
      How could you gain possession as a defender?

      pass
      shoot
      Correct answer: intercept

      Q3.
      Who can shoot in handball?

      goalkeeper
      Correct answer: everyone
      everyone except goalkeeper

      Q4.
      Why is it important to reflect?

      to build trust
      Correct answer: know our strengths
      to lose confidence

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      Which is not a position in handball?

      centre back
      Correct answer: wing attack
      right wing

      Q2.
      If a defender intercepts the ball, what should you do?

      Correct answer: react quickly
      look at the goalkeeper
      ask someone

      Q3.
      Which position is predominantly responsible for creating space to score goals around the D?

      Correct answer: pivot
      goalkeeper
      left back

      Q4.
      Why is it good to reflect on the positives of your performance?

      Correct Answer: to build confidence, build confidence, improve confidence, to improve confidence

      To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Handball: full context handball game, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...