Team Handball 1-on-1 Fake-and-Shoot Duels

One attacker tries to beat a defender with a footwork fake or a shot fake and then score on the goalie. Students work on changing direction with the ball, using the three steps and defensive positioning between the attacker and the goal.

How to play

1. Set up two goals with goalies. In front of each, use cones to mark a 4-meter-wide channel between the 9-meter and 6-meter lines. Form one attacking line and one defensive line at each goal (3 min).
2. Teach two fakes: step one way and go the other, and fake the shot then drive (3 min without defense).
3. Duels (8 min): the attacker catches a pass from the teacher or a classmate and has one dribble and three steps to beat the defender inside the channel and shoot.
4. The defender earns 1 point for a steal or if the attacker leaves the channel; the attacker earns 1 point for a goal. After each duel, the attacker joins the defensive line and vice versa. Change goalies every 6 shots.
5. Last 4 minutes: 2-on-2 duels in the same space to use the fakes with a teammate.

Rules

• Respect the 6-meter area: shoot before stepping into it.
• The defender plays face to face without grabbing the shooting arm.
• Aim at the low corners to keep the goalie safe.
• Waiting players stand behind the starting cones.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: shoot from a fixed spot after an arm fake, with a soft ball and a smaller goal.
• Students with visual impairments: the goalie claps to signal where the goal is, and use a ball with bells.
• Lower fitness levels: take more turns as goalie with a foam ball or as the starting passer.

Learning goals

• Use a fake to beat the defender one-on-one.
• Use the three steps and the dribble within the rules.
• Position yourself on defense between the attacker and the goal.

Equipment for a class of 25

• team handballs: 6
• goals: 2
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Use foam balls for inexperienced goalies. If students fake without watching the defender, remind them that a fake only works when the defender reacts.

More activities like this

More main activities for Middle School