All Up, All Back: Whole-Team Goal Rule
A modified team handball game in which a goal only counts if the whole attacking team is past midfield, and counts double if any defender has not made it back. Students practice supporting the attack as a group and getting back on defense to protect the goal.
How to play
- Set up two 90 x 50 ft cross-court fields with goals, a cone midline, and a 16 ft crease. Make 4 teams of 6 or 7: 4 field players and a goalie, with subs on the sideline (3 min).
- All up: a goal only counts if, at the moment of the shot, all 4 attacking field players are in the other team's half.
- All back: if any defending field player is still in the other half when the shot is taken, the goal is worth 2 points.
- Play with 3 steps and one dribble. The goalie only leaves the crease to restart after a goal. Play 2 halves of 6 minutes (12 min).
- During play, the teacher calls out "Up!" or "Back!" when a team gets stretched out, to help students adjust.
- Final 3-minute period and a 2-minute wrap-up: who tended to hang back or stay up front, and why?
Rules
- No contact: defend from 3 ft away and steal only on a pass or dribble.
- Only the goalie may enter the 16 ft crease.
- Safety: run back while watching the ball and never cut in front of a player who is running.
Variations
Easier
Only 3 of the 4 attackers need to be past midfield.
Standard
Four on four plus goalies with both rules.
Harder
A goal also requires every attacker to touch the ball during that possession.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays in the middle zone as a fixed support player who counts as being in both halves.
- Hearing impairment: pair the calls of "Up!" and "Back!" with arms raised or pointing back.
- Fitness level: sub every 3 minutes and allow time as goalie.
Learning goals
- Support the attack as a unit to give the ball carrier options.
- Get back quickly to protect the goal after losing the ball.
- Coordinate with teammates to move as a group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handballs: 2
- goals: 4
- pinnies: 13
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
There is always someone waiting up front on offense; the double-goal rule fixes that quickly. Make the midline easy to see with colored cones so calls can be made without arguments.
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