Court and Goals:

• Handball is played on a rectangular court with a goal at each end.
• The standard court size is 40 metres long and 20 metres wide.
• The goal is 3 metres wide and 2 metres high.

         Duration:

• A standard handball match consists of two halves, each lasting 30 minutes.
• There is a halftime break of 10-15 minutes.
• In some competitions, such as international matches, the game may be divided into four quarters.

         Players:

• Each team consists of seven players, including one goalkeeper.
• Teams can have a maximum of seven substitutes, and players can be substituted freely during the game.

         Starting the Game:

• The game begins with a throw-off, where one team starts with the ball from the centre of the court.
• After each goal, the team that conceded the goal restarts the game with a throw-off.

         Movement and Dribbling:

• Players can move the ball by passing, dribbling (bouncing the ball), or taking up to three steps without dribbling.
• Dribbling is not allowed after taking more than three steps.

         Fouls and Penalties:

• Physical contact is permitted, but excessive force and dangerous play are penalised.
• Fouls can result in penalties, free throws, or suspensions depending on the severity.
• A player receiving three suspensions during a match is disqualified.

         Scoring:

• The objective is to score goals by throwing the ball into the opponent's net.
• A goal is scored when the entire ball passes the goal line between the goalposts and under the crossbar.

         Handball Violations:

• Certain actions result in turnovers or free throws for the opposing team.
• Some common violations include stepping into the goal area, holding the ball for more than three seconds without moving, and catching or throwing the ball with legs or feet.

         Goalkeeper Rules:

• The goalkeeper has additional privileges and restrictions.
• The goalkeeper can touch the ball with any part of their body within the goal area.
• They can participate in the game outside the goal area, but certain restrictions apply.

 

In Lower Key Stage 2 Handball, children should continue to develop ball control, improving control when moving around, and increasing the accuracy and control when passing, shooting and receiving. Our Year 3 Handball lessons improve decision making in game situations, allowing children to make passes and move into good positions to make it difficult for opponents.  Children are encouraged to work well with others, communicating and collaborating, whilst being fair and respectful when competing against others.

Handball lessons play an important role in primary school PE.  They provide opportunities for children to use running, jumping, throwing and catching in game situations, and continue to develop balance, strength, agility and control.  Handball lessons also give children a chance to participate in competitive games, using basic principles suitable for attacking and defending. Primary School Handball is also great for promoting values such as respect and for helping children become physically confident and competent to support their health and fitness.

All PE Planning lesson plans are created by PE Specialists and include all the resources required to deliver a complete Unit of Work.  Each lesson plan includes full guidance, including illustrations, and you can choose to download either a quick reference plan or a full lesson plan. For Handball lesson plans ks2 pupils will love, download our plans above. They follow the National Curriculum and allow you to deliver fun, engaging and rewarding Handball lessons to your Year 3 pupils. They're easy to download and follow, too!