Adapted Speedball
Speedball is an American invasion game that blends soccer and team handball: a ball on the ground is played with the feet, and a ball lifted by the foot into the hands is played with the hands. Students practice reaction, decision making, and adjusting to changing rules.
How to play
- Set up a 100 x 65 ft field with a small goal at each end; form teams of 6 in pinnies, with two games at once if you have two fields (3 min).
- Explain the two phases: a ground ball is played with the feet only; a ball kicked up by your own or a teammate's foot and caught in the air is played with the hands (3 min).
- No walking while holding the ball, and 5 seconds to pass; if the ball hits the ground, it goes back to feet only.
- A goal scored with the foot is worth 1 point, and a thrown goal from outside a 16-ft area is worth 2.
- Play 5-minute games and switch opponents (15 min, 3 games); rotate the goalie each game.
- At the end, ask which option was faster for moving forward, and why (3 min).
Rules
- No picking up a ground ball with your hands.
- No ripping the ball away; only interceptions.
- The goalie may always use hands, but only inside the goal area.
- Safety: lift the ball gently with the foot, and no high kicks above the waist near others.
Variations
Easier
Allow catching the ball by hand after one bounce.
Standard
Ground ball with feet, air ball with hands, and thrown goals worth 2.
Harder
A goal only counts if the team switched from feet to hands at least once on the play.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student may always use hands, and their throws count 2 points.
- Autism: preview the two phases with colored cards, green for feet and blue for hands.
- Skill level: allow picking the ball up by hand after trapping it with the foot.
Learning goals
- React to the ball's phase by choosing feet or hands.
- Lift the ball with the foot to switch to hand play.
- Follow changing game rules with good sportsmanship.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam ball: 2
- small goals: 4
- cones: 16
- pinnies: 24
Teacher tip
Teach the foot lift on a stationary ball first. Expect some rule confusion early on; pause briefly and repeat "Ground, feet; air, hands."
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