Handball: 7-Meter Throws with a Pre-Shot Routine

Each student designs a personal three-step routine before the 7-meter throw (breathing, mental imagery and a fixed gesture) and checks whether it improves accuracy. Hits with and without the routine are compared on a sheet.

How to play

1. First round without a routine: five 7 m throws per student at hoops hanging in the corners; hits are recorded (5 min).
2. Explain what a pre-shot routine is and give examples from pro players (3 min).
3. Each student writes a three-step routine and rehearses it dry in front of a partner (4 min).
4. Second round with the routine: five throws against a classmate in goal; hits are recorded (6 min).
5. Each student compares the two results and decides whether to keep or change the routine (2 min).

Rules

• The shooter may not lift the pivot foot before releasing the ball, as in the official rules.
• Throws are never aimed at the goalkeeper's head.
• A routine lasts at most ten seconds so the round keeps moving.
• The line stays quiet while a classmate is shooting.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: shoots seated from the 7 m line and the routine includes positioning the chair.
• Autism: the routine is shown with picture cards and rehearsed several times before the round.
• Visual impairment: throws toward a sound source placed in the chosen corner.

Learning goals

• Design a focus routine that can be used under pressure.
• Compare one's own data to judge whether a strategy is useful.
• Follow the rules of the 7-meter throw.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handballs: 10
• worksheets: 28
• cones: 4
• hoops: 4

Teacher tip

It doesn't matter if improvement isn't immediate; the value is in reflecting on data. You can connect this task to anxiety control techniques for exams.

More activities like this

More main activities for High School