Catching Technique In Handball Notes, Quizzes & Revision
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Catching Technique in Handball
Subject: Physical and Health Education β Topic: Handball
Target age: 11 years (Class / Standard)
What is catching?
Catching is stopping and holding the ball safely with your hands so you can pass, shoot or keep possession. Good catching helps your team keep control during a game.
Why good catching is important
- Keeps the ball for your team.
- Helps you make faster passes and better shots.
- Reduces mistakes and wasted chances.
- Makes you confident when defending or attacking.
Basic catching technique β step by step
- Ready position: Feet shoulder-width, knees slightly bent, body forward, weight on the balls of your feet.
- Watch the ball: Keep your eyes on the ball from the thrower's hand until it touches yours.
- Hands ready: Hands in front of the body, thumbs and fingers forming a βcupβ (for two-handed catch) or strong open hand (for one-handed).
- Move your feet: Step toward the ball so you meet it β do not reach with only your arms.
- Give with the hands: When the ball hits your hands, move your hands slightly back toward your body to absorb the force (called βgivingβ).
- Secure the ball: Bring the ball into your chest or hold it with both hands close to your body.
Quick picture β simple view of catch position:
Hands form a βcupβ and move toward the chest to secure the ball.
ball
Types of catches for 11-year-olds
- Two-handed catch: Safe and most used. Use when the ball comes straight or at your chest height.
- One-handed catch: Used when the ball is far from one hand or when reaching. Only use if you are strong and practiced.
- Catch on the move: Step or run to meet the ball, then use the two-handed catch steps.
Practice drills (simple, fun, for school PE)
- Partner throw & catch: Stand 3β5 metres apart. Throw at chest height. Do 2 minutes, rest, repeat.
- Wall catch: Throw the ball against a wall and catch it as it bounces back. Use both hands. Great for solo practice.
- Circle catch: Form a circle of 6β8 pupils. Pass and catch quickly to the left or right. Focus on catching then passing.
- Move and catch: Jog slowly and have a partner throw short passes so you practise catching while moving.
- High-low catches: Partner throws high and low; practise adjusting hand position and footwork.
Common mistakes and how to fix them
- Reaching with arms only β fix: step to the ball with your feet.
- Looking away β fix: keep your eyes on the ball until you catch it.
- Stiff hands β fix: relax hands and βgiveβ when the ball arrives.
- Holding ball far from body β fix: bring the ball to your chest quickly to protect it.
Safety and equipment
- Always warm up before practising (5β10 minutes of jogging and stretches).
- Use the correct ball for your age β ask your teacher for the right size.
- Practice on grass or soft surface to reduce injuries.
- Keep a safe distance when passing to avoid collisions.
How teachers can organise a lesson (20β30 minutes)
- Warm-up: 5 minutes (light jog, arm circles).
- Drill 1: Partner throw & catch β 8 minutes (move gradually farther apart).
- Drill 2: Wall catch / circle catch β 8 minutes.
- Game: Small-sided game (3 vs 3) focusing on good catches β 7β10 minutes.
- Cool down and feedback β 2β3 minutes.
Quick checklist for pupils
- I am in a ready position before the pass.
- I watch the ball into my hands.
- I step to meet the ball with my feet.
- I give with my hands and bring the ball to my chest.
Short quiz (for assessment)
- Name two things you must do with your feet when catching. (Answer: Stand ready, step to the ball)
- What does it mean to βgiveβ with your hands? (Answer: Move hands back a little to absorb the ball)
- Why bring the ball to your chest after catching? (Answer: To protect and control it)
Remember: practise often, keep safe, and have fun. Good catching helps you play better and enjoy handball.
Notes for Kenyan schools: Use school PE time and inter-house sports days to practise. Adapt drills to your available space and the number of pupils. Teachers: give praise for effort and correct one step at a time.