Bench Wall: Push Passes off the Bench

Gym benches turned on their side become rebound walls for practicing the push pass and receiving. Students progress from solo passes to wall passes in pairs around a defender.

How to play

1. Demo of the push pass: ball on the blade, sweep it with no sound, finish with the stick low. Receive by cushioning with an angled blade (3 min).
2. Solo, three meters from the bench: ten forehand and ten backhand passes, controlling the rebound before passing again (4 min).
3. In pairs at an angle to the bench: one passes off the bench and the partner receives the rebound; switch spots after every pass (5 min).
4. Wall pass around a defender: a cone stands between the two; direct passes are banned and the ball must use the bench to reach the partner (5 min).
5. Team challenge: each pair counts its longest run of controlled passes and tries to beat it (3 min).

Rules

• Push passes only: no backswing.
• Each pair uses its own stretch of bench; if the ball gets away, walk to get it and look both ways.
• Nobody sits or leans on a bench while others are passing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users: set the bench beside them so they can pass without turning the chair.
• Blind or low-vision students: use a ball with a bell and the partner calls out before passing.
• Less skilled students: use a larger foam ball that rebounds more slowly.

Learning goals

• Perform forehand and backhand push passes.
• Receive the ball by cushioning it with the blade.
• Use a wall pass to beat a defender.

Equipment for a class of 25

• floorball sticks: 30
• floorball balls: 30
• gym benches: 6
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

Benches must sit firmly on their side so they don't tip over; if you don't have them, a smooth wall works just as well. The typical mistake is slapping: if you hear the stick, it isn't a push pass.

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