Team Handball: Pivot Diving Shot onto a Mat
A safe progression for the diving shot used by pivots and wings, landing on mats placed inside the goal area. Students work on shooting technique close to the goal, a controlled landing on hands and chest and building confidence.
How to play
- Setup (2 min): at each goal, two lines of 6 and thick mats inside the area right against the 6-meter line; a rotating goalie, with soft balls to start.
- Fall without the ball (3 min): kneeling on the mat, students fall forward and absorb the landing with both hands and chest; then from a squat.
- Shot from the knees (4 min): kneeling at the edge, they receive a pass, shoot at the goal and fall onto the mat absorbing the landing.
- Standing shot (5 min): standing on the 6-meter line with back or side to goal, they receive, turn, shoot with body leaning in and land on the mat.
- Rotation: shooter becomes passer and passer goes back in line; switch goalies every 6 shots.
- Wrap-up (4 min): line contest: a goal with a correct fall is 2 points; a goal without the fall is 1 point.
Rules
- The mat must always be under the landing zone; if it moves, reset it before the next shot.
- Land on hands and chest, never on elbows or head.
- Only one shooter at a time per mat.
- Anyone who doesn't want to fall can shoot standing, with no penalty.
Variations
Easier
Shoot only from the knees with a soft ball.
Standard
A progression from kneeling to standing with a landing on the mat.
Harder
Add a passive defender with a foam shield who forces the shooter to lean in more.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: shoots seated or kneeling without falling and acts as passer.
- Visual impairment or fear of falling: a partner guides with their voice and a thicker mat is used.
- Lower fitness: fewer falling reps and more passes or shots without falling.
Learning goals
- Perform the diving shot with safe technique.
- Absorb the landing with hands and chest.
- Build confidence shooting close to the goal.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handball: 8
- goals: 2
- mats: 4
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
This is a technique task, not a power task: require a correct fall before moving to the next step. Make sure the mats don't slide; if needed, set them on a non-slip pad.
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