Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Handball – Goal Keeping Notes
Physical & Health Education — Handball
Subtopic: Goal Keeping (for learners aged 11)
These notes give simple and safe steps to teach and practise goal keeping in handball. They fit Kenyan primary school settings and use easy language for 11-year-olds.
Learning objectives
- Know where the goalkeeper stands and why the goal area matters.
- Learn basic saving techniques: catching, blocking, and safe diving.
- Improve movement, balance and passing from the goal to teammates.
- Follow safety rules and help the team by communicating clearly.
Materials needed (common in Kenyan schools)
- Handball or soft ball (size suitable for children).
- Cones or markers to show the 6-metre area.
- Goal (or two cones as goal posts).
- Whistle for teacher, first-aid kit nearby.
Quick rules for the goalkeeper (simple)
- The goalkeeper may move inside the goal area (usually marked by a line or cones).
- Inside the goal area the keeper can use any part of the body to stop the ball.
- The keeper must not carry the ball out of the goal area with both hands — pass it to a teammate instead.
Warm-up (5–8 minutes)
- Light jogging around the court (1–2 minutes).
- Arm swings, shoulder circles and gentle trunk twists.
- Quick feet practice: small side steps and jumps (30 seconds each).
- Practice catching a ball thrown softly by a partner.
Basic goalkeeping positions & movement
- Stay in front of the goal center — not too close to the goal line. This cuts the angle for shooters.
- Feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, hands ready at chest level.
- Move on your toes with small steps. Don't cross your legs — keep balance.
- Always watch the ball and the shooter’s arm/eye movement.
Saving techniques (simple steps)
- Basic catch: Step toward the ball, use both hands, fingers spread, thumbs behind the ball for small throws.
- Block with arms: If ball is fast and high, raise arms and make yourself big; push ball away.
- Leg block: For low shots, drop one knee slightly and use the foot/leg to stop the ball.
- Safe dive: Only teach gentle dives on a soft surface or mats. Dive sideways, land on the side of body and forearm, not head.
- Follow-up: After a save, quickly cover the ball or pass to a teammate to start attack.
How to practise — drills for a 30-minute lesson
- Stationary catches (5 min): Partner throws slow balls to chest and shoulder height. Focus on two-hand catch.
- Step-and-save (8 min): From 6–8 metres, shooter takes one step and shoots. Keeper practices stepping out to reduce angle then saving.
- Low-shot drill (6 min): Shooter aims low; keeper practices leg blocks and covering ball.
- Quick reaction game (6 min): Teacher throws unexpected balls from different positions; keeper reacts.
- Small-sided game (5 min): 3 vs 3 with a keeper. Focus on communication and simple clearances.
Communication & teamwork
The goalkeeper must speak to defenders: call "Right", "Left", "Man!", or "Clear!" Teach short, loud calls. The keeper sees the whole court and directs the team.
Safety tips (important for 11-year-olds)
- Always warm up before practice.
- Do not dive on hard surfaces — use mats or practice small dives only if safe.
- Wear proper shoes with good grip — no sandals.
- Keep first-aid kit and teacher supervision nearby.
Common mistakes & how to fix them
- Standing too far back — fix: practise stepping forward to cut angles.
- Hands too low — fix: keep hands up and ready at chest level.
- Freezes after save — fix: practise follow-up drills to secure or pass the ball quickly.
Teacher assessment checklist
- Keeper moves on toes and keeps balance.
- Uses both hands to catch when possible.
- Communicates with defenders during play.
- Performs safe clearances after a save.
Short quiz (for learners)
- Where should the goalkeeper stand to reduce the shooting angle? (Answer: In front of the goal centre, a little out from the goal line.)
- Name two ways to stop a low shot. (Answer: leg block, low catch.)
- Why is communication important for the goalkeeper? (Answer: the keeper sees the court and helps defenders know who to mark.)
Simple visual: goal layout and keeper position
Tip for Kenyan schools: Use soft or foam balls for beginners and practise on school courts or a flat even surface. Encourage teamwork and fair play.
Prepared for Class 5/6 learners (approx. age 11). Teacher may adapt drills to class size and available equipment.