Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Handball – Passing And Recieving Notes
Physical & Health Education — Handball
Subtopic: Passing and Recieving
Age: 11 years — Kenya (school level). These notes explain simple, safe ways to teach and practise passing and receiving in handball using small groups or a whole class.
Learning objectives
- Learn three good passes: chest pass, bounce pass and overhead pass.
- Receive a ball with control using both hands and make a correct return pass.
- Follow basic handball rules when holding and moving with the ball (hold for max 3 seconds, max 3 steps).
Equipment and space
- A handball suitable for children (youth size) or a small, soft ball.
- Open playing area — school court, playground or a wall for passing.
- Cones or markers for targets and positions.
Safety & warm-up
- Warm up (5–8 minutes): jogging, side-steps, arm circles, light passing in pairs.
- Check shoes and playing surface to avoid slips.
- Use soft balls for beginners to reduce pain on impact.
Key rules to remember (short)
- Player may hold the ball for up to 3 seconds and take up to 3 steps without dribbling.
- Pass quickly and move to open space so team keeps the ball.
How to do the passes (simple steps)
Chest pass (two-handed)
Good for short, straight passes to a teammate.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width, one foot slightly forward.
- Hold ball with both hands at chest level, fingers spread on the sides.
- Step forward with the front foot and push the ball straight from your chest to your teammate using both arms and wrist.
- Follow through — hands end pointing to the target.
Bounce pass
Use when a direct pass is blocked or to surprise the defender.
- Aim for the ground about two-thirds of the distance to the receiver.
- Use similar arm action as chest pass but aim lower so the ball bounces up to the receiver.
Overhead or shoulder pass (long pass)
For longer or higher passes — throw over defender heads.
- Bring ball up above the shoulder with one or two hands.
- Use legs and shoulder to push the ball forward in one smooth motion.
Receiving (catching) — good habits
- Watch the ball into your hands — eyes on the ball from the thrower's hand to your hands.
- Use both hands and give with the hands (absorb the force) — move hands slightly backward on impact.
- Keep knees bent and be ready to step or pass quickly.
- If a high pass: raise hands above chest and thumb positions so ball lands softly in hands.
Common mistakes and corrections
- Throwing without stepping: Encourage stepping forward to add power and accuracy.
- Looking away when catching: Teach “eyes on the ball” — practise with slow throws first.
- Stiff hands on catch (ball bounces out): Teach to “give” with the hands to absorb the pass.
Simple drills (can be done in Kenyan schools with many pupils)
- Pairs — chest pass: Stand 3–5m apart and pass 20 times each. Swap distances to practise power and accuracy.
- Pairs — bounce pass: Same as above but use bounce pass. Aim for two-thirds distance to partner.
- Wall passes: Stand 2–3m from a wall and throw chest passes or one-hand overhead to rebound. Count uninterrupted passes.
- Triangle drill: Three players form a triangle, pass clockwise; the first player moves to another corner after passing (pass-and-move).
- 3v3 keep-away: Small game encouraging quick passing and receiving under light pressure.
- Move-and-pass: Players jog and must receive and return pass while on the move (practises catching while moving).
Progression for skill development
- Start stationary and slow passes → increase speed and distance → add movement by receivers → add passive defenders → full game situations.
Assessment (simple checklist for teacher)
- Steps and body position when passing — teacher watches for step forward.
- Accuracy — percentage of successful passes to partner/target in 20 attempts.
- Receiving control — can the pupil catch and make a return pass within 3 seconds?
Short quiz (use in class) — quick check
- How many steps can a player take with the ball without dribbling? (Answer: 3)
- Name two types of passes. (Answer: chest pass, bounce pass, overhead pass)
- When catching, what should you do with your hands? (Answer: Watch ball and give with hands to absorb)
Quick visual guides
Chest pass (diagram)
Bounce pass (diagram)
Teacher tip: Use positive feedback and pair stronger pupils with beginners so they model good passing and receiving. Keep practice short, fun and full of movement.
Prepared for Kenyan primary school pupils (age 11). Feel free to copy these notes to your lesson plan or adapt drills to your class size and equipment.