Team Handball Jump Shot Progression

A step-by-step progression to learn the team handball jump shot: three steps, takeoff from the foot opposite the throwing arm and a shot in the air. It develops the timing between the jump and the arm and accuracy on goal.

How to play

1. Make 4 groups of 6 at four small goals. Set a cone line at 6 m and, behind it, a hoop on the floor as the takeoff spot (1 min).
2. No ball (3 min): three steps to the hoop and a jump from inside it off the foot opposite the throwing arm, driving the knee up and cocking the arm back.
3. Empty goal (4 min): receive a pass, take the three steps, take off in the hoop and release before landing.
4. With a goalie (5 min): one student plays goalie and switches every 5 shots; lower-corner goals score 2, others 1. Then a group contest (5 min) where an observer cancels goals taken off the wrong foot.
5. Wrap-up (2 min): ask which foot takes off, where the arm cocks and why shooting in the air helps.

Rules

• Land on both feet with bent knees, never on top of the goalie.
• Foam balls only; a shot that hits the goalie above the shoulders does not count.
• Leave the line only after the previous shooter has their ball.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility or wheelchair: a set shot from 4 m with the same arm action.
• Autism: picture cards of the three phases next to the line and a heads-up before each change.
• Struggling students repeat the no-ball phase; skilled students shoot with the non-dominant hand.

Learning goals

• Link the three steps with a takeoff from the opposite foot.
• Shoot a jump shot to the corners of the goal.
• Set a target number of goals and check it.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 12
• hoops: 4
• cones: 12
• small goals: 4

Teacher tip

The typical mistake is taking off from the same-side foot, so have students say 'left, right, jump!' out loud. Keep the landing zone clear of loose balls.

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