Bench Ball

Two teams pass a foam ball so that a teammate standing on a gym bench at the far end can catch it. Students practice moving the ball toward the goal, passing to a fixed target, and defending a scoring area without contact.

How to play

1. Make 4 teams of 6 (one of 7) and set up 2 fields of 20 x 15 m. At each end, place a gym bench with a 2 m no-entry zone in front marked with cones.
2. Each team puts one player on the bench at the opposite end: that player is the catcher. Everyone else plays on the field in pinnies.
3. The ball moves only by passing; with the ball, up to 3 steps and 3 seconds. No one enters the no-entry zone.
4. If the catcher catches a pass without falling, it is a point: the passer joins the bench and the team that was scored on inbounds from its end line.
5. Once 3 students are on the bench, the first one up steps down and rejoins play.
6. Play 2 halves of 8 minutes with a 1-minute strategy huddle between them, and switch opponents.

Rules

• No contact: you win the ball by intercepting passes, never by pulling it out of someone's hands.
• Defenders stay one arm's length from the player with the ball.
• Step down from the bench facing forward and carefully, never jumping backward.
• If the ball hits the floor, it goes to the team that did not touch it last.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student is a catcher seated on a chair beside the bench or plays in a zone where no one may guard them.
• Visual impairment or shyness: use a bright ball and call names before passing; shy students can start as the catcher.
• Fitness level: tired students rotate to the bench sooner; skilled players pass only with their non-dominant hand.

Learning goals

• Move the ball toward the goal using passes and off-ball movement.
• Find open space to create passing lanes to the catcher.
• Defend the scoring area without contact while following the rules.

Equipment for a class of 25

• gym bench: 4
• pinnies: 13
• foam ball: 2
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

The usual mistake is everyone crowding in front of the bench; freeze play and ask where the open space is. Make sure the benches are stable and do not tip.

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