6-0 Defense Shift and Step-Out Drill

Six defenders on the 6-meter line shift toward the ball as attackers move it around, and the closest defender steps out to pressure and then drops back. Students learn the 6-0 zone defense, talking on defense, and covering for each other.

How to play

1. In each half of the court: six defenders in pinnies on the 6-meter line, one goalie, and five attackers spread along the 9-meter line.
2. Phase 1 (5 minutes): attackers pass with no shooting; the defender facing the ball carrier steps out to 8 meters with arms up while the others slide toward that side.
3. When the ball moves on, that defender drops back diagonally to the line and the next one steps out. Defenders call it out: 'I've got ball!' and 'I'm covering!'
4. Phase 2 (6 minutes): attackers may shoot if a defender is late stepping out; the defense earns a point for every 30 seconds without being scored on.
5. Switch attackers and defenders and change goalies every 4 minutes; finish with 5 minutes of open attack against the 6-0.

Rules

• Step out with arms up, with no holding or pushing.
• No defender may stand inside the 6-meter goal area.
• Safety: avoid head-on collisions when stepping out; defend at an angle with hands visible.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays the middle defensive spot with short slides, or plays goalie.
• Autism: mark each defender's spot on the floor with a flat disc or cone.
• Fitness level: students with less stamina rest by playing attack, which moves less.

Learning goals

• Shift as a unit toward the ball side.
• Step out to pressure the ball and recover to the line in time.
• Talk on defense to cover a teammate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• team handballs: 4
• cones: 12
• pinnies: 12
• goals: 2

Teacher tip

Usually two defenders step out at once or nobody drops back; freeze play with the whistle and fix spacing. Make them talk, because a quiet defense is always late.

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