Learning outcomes

• Know basic handball rules used in Kenyan school games.
• Perform basic skills: passing, catching, dribbling and shooting.
• Understand positions and simple tactics for attack and defence.
• Recognise safety rules and sports values: teamwork, fair play, discipline.

Equipment and playing area

• Ball: small handball (size for children) — use a soft ball if necessary.
• Surface: hard court, school field or netball/volleyball court marked for handball.
• Goals: two small goals or cones marking goal area.
• Shirts and shoes: proper shoes to avoid slipping. No jewellery.

Simple handball court (school version)

Tip: In schools, courts may be smaller. Keep the goal area (dashed box) as a no-shoot zone for attackers to step into only while releasing the ball.

Basic rules (easy version)

• Teams: usually 7 players (6 field players + 1 goalkeeper). In small games, use 4 v 4 or 5 v 5.
• Hold the ball for max 3 steps or 3 seconds without dribbling.
• Dribble like basketball to move more steps. You must not double-dribble.
• No dangerous physical contact or pushing. Fouls lead to free-throws or penalty throws.
• A goal counts when the ball fully crosses the goal line inside the goal.

Positions and short roles

• Goalkeeper: protects the goal and controls rebounds.
• Wingers (left/right): fast players who attack from the sides.
• Backs (left/center/right): shoot from distance and pass into the circle.
• Pivot (circle runner): stays near opponent goal area to receive passes.

Key skills — how to do them (step-by-step)

1. Passing (chest pass)

1. Stand facing your teammate, feet shoulder-width.
2. Hold ball with two hands at chest level; step forward with one foot.
3. Push the ball forward with both hands, follow through to target.
4. Aim for teammate's chest so they can catch easily.

2. Catching

1. Watch the ball until it reaches you.
2. Present both hands, thumbs behind the ball, fingers spread.
3. Absorb the ball by moving hands back slightly as you catch.

3. Dribbling

1. Bounce the ball with one hand; keep head up so you see the court.
2. Change hands when needed. If you stop dribbling, you may take up to 3 steps.
3. Protect the ball with your body from defenders.

4. Shooting (fast throw)

1. Approach the goal with one or two strong steps.
2. Jump slightly if needed, throw the ball with arm and wrist, aim low or to a corner.
3. Follow through and land balanced to recover for defence.

Warm-up (8–10 minutes)

• Jog around the court (2 minutes).
• Dynamic stretches: leg swings, arm circles, lunges (3 minutes).
• Passing warm-up in pairs: short passes, then longer passes (3–5 minutes).

Simple practice session (30–40 minutes)

1. Warm-up (8–10 min).
2. Skill stations (15 min): passing and catching; dribbling cones; shooting practice.
3. Small-sided games (10–12 min): 4 v 4 on small court to practice passing and movement.
4. Cool-down and talk (3–5 min): stretch and discuss teamwork and safety.

Drills (fun & easy)

• Passing relay: Teams pass along a line; first team back wins.
• Dribble tag: Everyone dribbles; tag others without losing your ball.
• Shoot from line: Players shoot from a marked line; goalkeeper saves.

Fouls and safety

• No hitting, tripping or pushing. Stop play and give a free-throw if a foul occurs.
• Do not enter the goal area to score while standing in it — step out and throw.
• Wear shoes with grip; remove jewellery before training or matches.
• If a player is hurt, stop play and get help from the teacher or coach.

Values and life skills

Handball teaches teamwork, fair play, respect for others and discipline. Try to encourage teammates, accept referees' decisions and play with honesty — these are important in school and life.

Try this at school

1. Organise a friendly 5-a-side match during PE lesson.
2. Use cones as goals if no nets are available.
3. Rotate positions so every pupil learns different roles.

Good luck — have fun, practise regularly and support your teammates!