Target Hand Passing
In pairs and on the move, the receiver shows at the last moment where they want the ball (right hand, left hand, high, or low) and the passer must put the pass on that hand. It warms students up while building passing accuracy, vision, and communication.
How to play
- Form pairs with one team handball, 5 yards apart, spread across the court with plenty of space.
- Activation (2 minutes): one-handed passes while both partners jog lightly around the court, keeping eye contact.
- Standing: the receiver raises an open hand right as the passer cocks the arm; the pass must hit that hand.
- Every pass that reaches the target hand scores 1 point; partners switch roles every 8 passes (about 2 minutes total).
- On the move (2 minutes): the receiver shuffles sideways and shows the lead hand in the direction they are going, like on a fast break.
- Finish (2 minutes): add high (arm straight up) and low (hand at knee height) targets and count the pair's total.
Rules
- The target hand is shown with spread fingers and clearly visible.
- Passes are firm but controlled, never at the face.
- Keep at least 4 yards between passer and receiver.
- Pairs move in their own zone without crossing other pairs.
Variations
Easier
Show the hand before the passer cocks the arm and pass from 3 yards.
Standard
Show the hand as the arm cocks, from 5 yards and on the move.
Harder
Show the hand as the ball is released, or pass with the non-dominant hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: receive seated or in a wheelchair, showing the target hand, with the partner 3 yards away.
- Blind or low-vision students: use a ball with a bell and have the receiver call "right" or "left" instead of showing a hand.
- Lower skill level: use a soft ball and remove the high and low targets.
Learning goals
- Aim a pass accurately at a changing target.
- Watch the partner, not just the ball, when passing.
- Communicate clearly with gestures where you want the ball.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handballs: 13
Teacher tip
Insist that passers look at the receiver's hands, not the ball; it's a good time to review cocking the arm with the elbow at shoulder height. All pairs should pass in the same direction across the court.
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