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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Handball heroes

Teamwork is key in this handy ball game

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You’ll need

  • Soft balls
  • 4 goal markers, such as jumpers, chairs or cones
  1. Separate everyone into small teams of between five and six players. They should set up two goals at opposite ends of the playing area using the chairs, but jumpers, cones and markers could also work.

Find a way to identify each team, for example one could wear scarves while the other team doesn’t.

  1. Select two teams at random to play first. Begin by dropping the ball between two players, one from each team.

Everyone else should wait on the sidelines and cheer on the players.

  1. Teams should work together to score goals by hitting, rolling or sliding the ball using only their hands.
  2. Everyone must keep one hand behind their back at all times; they can change hands over.
  3. Players can’t hold onto the ball, throw or kick it.
  4. When the time’s up, the teams should swap so everyone has the chance to play.

Reflection

This is a fun and fast-paced physically activity. What skills did everyone use during the game? Examples might include co-ordination and focus. They might have also noticed their heart rate increasing. This is a sign of that their hearts are working hard to get blood and oxygen around their bodies. Can they think of any other ways that physical activity benefits health?

Teamwork was also important in this game. Everyone should think about the skills that are vital for a great team like good communication, sharing and encouragement.

Safety

All activities must be safely managed. You must complete a thorough risk assessment and take appropriate steps to reduce risk. Use the safety checklist to help you plan and risk assess your activity. Always get approval for the activity, and have suitable supervision and an InTouch process.

Active games

The game area should be free of hazards. Explain the rules of the game clearly and have a clear way to communicate that the game must stop when needed. Take a look at our guidance on running active games safely.

Increase or decrease the size of the goal and playing area. Allow the players to hit the ball with both hands.

Play this game sitting on chairs or the floor. Everyone can either stay in one place or slide across the floor.

All Scout activities should be inclusive and accessible.

Create a league or tournament. This could become a healthy competition between different Groups, or across a District.