Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Handball – Dribbling In Handball Notes
Physical & Health Education — Handball
Subtopic: Dribbling in Handball (for age 11)
Dribbling in handball means bouncing the ball on the ground with one hand while moving. Good dribbling helps you move past opponents, keep possession and make a pass or shot.
Why dribbling is important
- Move quickly without being tackled by an opponent.
- Create space to pass or shoot at the goal.
- Improve hand control and coordination.
- Follow the rules and avoid penalties like traveling or double dribble.
Basic rules to remember (simple)
- Three steps rule: You may take up to three steps while holding the ball. After that, you must dribble, pass or shoot.
- Three seconds rule: You may hold the ball for up to three seconds before you must play it.
- No double dribble: If you stop dribbling and hold the ball, you may not start dribbling again. That is a fault.
- Safe play: You must not hit the ball with a closed fist or push opponents.
How to dribble correctly — steps
- Stand with knees slightly bent and feet shoulder-width apart.
- Use fingers and fingertips to push the ball down; do not slap with the palm.
- Keep the ball at about knee to waist height so you control it easily.
- Look up — use your eyes to see team-mates and opponents, not just the ball.
- Move your feet as you bounce the ball: one bounce per step or while running.
Picture:
Ball goes down and up. Use fingertips, keep it low, and move forward.
Ball goes down and up. Use fingertips, keep it low, and move forward.
Simple drills for school or playground
- Stationary dribble: Stand in one place and dribble with right hand for 30 seconds, then left hand. Keep head up.
- Walking dribble: Walk slowly across the court dribbling with one hand. Return using the other hand.
- Figure-eight: Dribble the ball in a figure-eight pattern around your legs — good for control.
- Dribble relay: In teams, dribble around cones and pass to the next player. First team wins.
- Protect and dribble: Practice dribbling while a team-mate lightly tries to block (no pushing!).
Common mistakes to avoid
- Looking at the ball all the time — keep your head up.
- Using the palm of the hand only — use your fingers and wrist.
- Dribbling too high — keep it low and under control.
- Starting to dribble again after you stopped — this is a double dribble.
- Taking more than three steps without dribbling — this is traveling.
Safety and equipment (Kenyan school tips)
- Play on flat ground or indoor court. Avoid stones and holes on the playground.
- Wear proper shoes with good grip (sports shoes). Remove jewelry.
- Use a smaller ball that fits your hand; schools often have junior-sized balls for children.
- Stay hydrated and take breaks, especially when practicing outside in the sun.
Progress targets for a 11-year-old
- Dribble for 30 seconds with each hand without looking at the ball.
- Walk the length of the court while dribbling and pass to a team-mate accurately.
- Able to change dribbling speed and direction to beat a defender.
Teacher tip: use small groups and encourage positive feedback. Make drills fun — games help children learn dribbling quickly.
Produced for Kenyan P.E. learners (age 11). Practice often and play fair!