Position Rotation Team Handball
Five-on-five games with goalies where each student plays a set position listed on a card and moves to the next one every 4 minutes. Students learn the team handball positions, what each one does, and how to work together in an organized attack.
How to play
- Two cross-court fields with small goals and a 5-yard goal area. Four teams of six; the extra student referees and rotates in.
- Each player gets a card with a position and its key job: left wing, left back, pivot, right back, right wing, or goalie.
- Before starting, give each team 2 minutes to set up on offense and read their jobs out loud.
- Play for 4 minutes. On the whistle, each player hands the card to the teammate on their right and switches positions, goalie included.
- After six rotations, everyone has played every position. To wrap up, each student says which spot felt most comfortable and why.
Rules
- On offense, players stay in their position's zone; if they drift away, the referee gives the ball to the other team.
- Usual school rules on steps, double dribble, and the goal area.
- Safety: no contact with the goalie or with players in the air.
Variations
Easier
Cards include a diagram showing each position's zone.
Standard
5-on-5 with a goalie and position changes every 4 minutes.
Harder
Each position has a required task, such as the pivot touching the ball on every attack.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays pivot or wing with a defender who may not steal.
- Autism: the card shows a diagram of the zone, and a 30-second warning comes before each rotation.
- Fitness level: goalie is a physical break, so adjust the order to alternate demanding spots.
Learning goals
- Know the team handball positions and their basic jobs.
- Spread out in an organized way on offense.
- Value what each position brings to the team.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handballs: 3
- pinnies: 12
- small goals: 4
- cones: 24
- cards: 24
Teacher tip
Laminate the cards with a simple court diagram. At first everyone chases the ball, so freeze play and have each player go back to their zone.
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