Defend the Nest
In this diagram, Defenders are in Blue, and Attackers are in Red.
Equipment:
- 10 markers (to identify the outlines and semi-circle) or a netball third - 1 small net goal - 1 European handball or similar. - Braids or bibs Safety Guidelines:
- If playing on a netball court or similar, be careful of trip hazards and make sure that students are aware of the material of the ground. - Instruct the students that they should not thrown the balls intentionally at someone. - If playing on a netball court, be cautious of the netball poles/hoops, and instruct the players of the dangers as well. |
Defend the Nest is an invasion game which focus' on the attacking element of European Handball.
- The objective of this game is to score a goal by throwing the ball into the 'nest' (the goal), whilst not allowing the defender to touch the ball/prevent a goal. - The field should be set up like in the diagram to the left. The field of play is the approx. the same width & length of a netball third. At one end of the field, place a small pop-up goal net, or markers if necessary. In-front of the goal, place markers in the shape of a semicircle. If you have access to a netball court use its pre-existing lines to save set-up time. Set up multiple games if there is enough space. - Sort out players into groups of 4, and give group 3 bibs/braids. Within each group select 1 person to act as the defender (this will rotate), the other 3 members are now the attackers, and they wear the bibs. - The attackers start with the ball and can thrown the ball to their teammates, once they catch it,they are only allowed to pivot, and cannot run with the ball. They can only shoot for goal, outside the semi circle. So they should try and pass the ball to other teammates who have a better angle at goal. The defender of the nest is trying protect the goal by catching, intercepting or parrying the ball away, either from a shot at goal, or a pass by the other team. If the ball goes out, the defender wins. - If the attackers score, they each get 1point, if the defender wins, then they get 3 points. After every round, one player from within the group swaps roles with the defender. After everyone has had a turn, see who got the highest point tally, and then play a game with the 4 top scorers. Using that game to show the rest of the class, their tips and tricks and how to improve their skills. - The skills involved with this game for attackers are; passing accuracy, ability to make spaces and find openings, communication (in signaling for a run or a pass). For defenders the main skill involved are positioning (where they are in position to the goal or other players). |
Additional Information:
- Do not forget to rotate the players positions often, to keep them interested and giving them new challenges that are associated with their new role. - Change up group members occasionally to create new challenges for players. |