Unit Plan 23 (Grade 3 PE): Team Handball Basics

Focus: Build beginning throwing, catching, movement to space, and shooting at goal through simple small-sided handball play.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Team Handball • Passing & Catching • Offense, Defense & Goal Scoring)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore team handball as a beginner invasion game that helps them combine throwing, catching, moving, and scoring in a fast-paced but simple format. In this unit, students begin with passing and catching foam balls with movement so they can practice receiving a ball while changing position and preparing to pass again. They then apply those skills in 3v3 Team Handball Lite, where there is no dribbling, players must pass and move, and teams try to shoot at a large goal. Throughout the unit, students focus on throwing with control, moving into open space after a pass, catching with ready hands, defending by staying between an opponent and the goal, and staying active during game play.

Essential Questions

• How can I throw and catch more successfully while moving?
• What does it mean to pass and move in a game?
• How can I help my team on offense without the ball?
• What does good defensive positioning look like in team handball?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Throw and catch a foam ball with improving control during partner and team activities.
2. Combine movement, passing, catching, and shooting skills in a modified small-sided handball game.
3. Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space and passing to an open teammate.
4. Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and the goal and attempting safe interceptions.
5. Participate actively in handball activities for most of class time.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3c – Throwing & Catching in Games Throw (underhand and overhand) and catch objects with increasing accuracy and consistency in partner, group, and small-sided game situations.
  • Example: Students complete a sequence of accurate passes with a partner while moving in a small grid.
• PE:S1.3f – Combining Skills in Small-Sided Games Combine locomotor and object-control skills (run, dodge, throw, catch, strike, kick) in modified small-sided games.
  • Example: Students play 3v3 passing games where they must move to open space, receive a pass, and attempt to score in a goal zone.
• PE:S2.3d – Basic Offensive Strategies Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space, passing to an open teammate, and using quick changes of direction.
  • Example: In mini-soccer, students move into open space to receive a pass then quickly dribble toward the goal.
• PE:S2.3e – Basic Defensive Strategies Demonstrate simple defensive strategies such as staying between an opponent and a goal or target and attempting to intercept passes.
  • Example: In keep-away, students position themselves between the passer and target to block or intercept the ball.
• PE:S3.3a – Participation in Moderate-to-Vigorous Activity Participate actively in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for most of the PE class time.
  • Example: Students remain engaged in continuous movement activities such as running games, circuits, or relays with minimal idle time.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can throw and catch with more control while moving.
• I can pass and then move to open space.
• I can help my team score by getting open and shooting at the goal.
• I can stay between my player and the goal on defense.
• I can stay active during handball games and drills.