1-on-1 Side-Step Square Duels
In pairs, inside 5 x 5 m squares, an attacker holding a football tries to get from the starting side to the far side without the defender pulling a flag. Students learn the side-step, changes of pace, and no-contact defending.
How to play
- Use flat disc cones to set up 5 x 5 m (about 16 x 16 ft) squares, one per pair, 2 m apart. Each student wears two flags and the attacker holds the ball (2 min).
- 1-minute demo: for the side-step, plant one foot hard and push off the other way; for the change of pace, slow down and then explode.
- The defender starts on the far line and the attacker on the starting line. When the attacker says 'Go!', they have 5 seconds to cross the far line holding the ball.
- Crossing scores 1 point for the attacker; pulling a flag or forcing the attacker out of the square scores 1 point for the defender. Switch roles every 5 duels.
- Rotate every 3 minutes: winners move one square to the right and the other player moves one square to the left so skill levels even out.
- Do 4 rotations; in the last one the defender starts only 2 m from the far line.
Rules
- The defender only pulls flags, with no grabbing or pushing.
- The attacker may not cover flags with a hand or spin around.
- Safety: there is a 2 m buffer between squares that nobody may enter.
Variations
Easier
Use 6 x 6 m squares and have the defender start on their knees or with hands behind the back.
Standard
5 x 5 m squares with 5 seconds to cross.
Harder
The attacker may only cross through the middle half of the line, marked with a center cone.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair defends by tagging with a foam noodle or attacks in a wider square where the defender must walk.
- Autism: keep the same partner for two rotations and announce every change ahead of time.
- Skill or fitness level: the up-and-down rotation means each student faces someone at a similar level.
Learning goals
- Perform the side-step and change of pace while holding the ball.
- Defend a small space by pulling flags without contact.
- Handle winning and losing in quick duels.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 25
- foam footballs: 13
- flat disc cones: 52
Teacher tip
Many attackers just run in a straight line toward the sideline, so ask them to run at the defender first and then change direction. Remind defenders to watch the hips, not the ball.
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