Blind Football: Guide, Goalkeeper and the Three Thirds

Small-sided game built on the communication structure of blind football: the goalkeeper directs in the defensive third, the coach in the middle and the guide, behind the opponent's goal, in the attacking third. The point is short, useful, well-timed messages.

How to play

1. Intro and setup: a field about 20 × 12 m split into thirds with cones, benches on their sides as sideboards and a small goal at each end (4 min).
2. Message rehearsal: each role prepares three short calls (distance, angle and "shoot") and tests them with a masked attacker dribbling at a walk (6 min).
3. 3v3 games at walking pace with masks plus a goalkeeper, guide and coach per team; roles switch every 4 minutes (14 min).
4. Analysis: which message led to a shot and which was just noise; teams rewrite their calls (6 min).

Rules

• Anyone moving toward the ball calls "voy."
• Masked players walk or jog lightly; no tackles or contact.
• Each voice speaks only in its own third.
• One long whistle from the teacher and everyone freezes.

Variations

Adaptations

• Blind or low-vision student: plays outfield as the specialist and brings their own calls.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing student: plays goalkeeper, an unmasked role, and communicates with their defense by touch.
• Student with a leg injury: is coach or guide.

Learning goals

• Organize team communication by zones.
• Give short, precise messages.
• Know the real rules of blind football.

Equipment for a class of 25

• bell balls: 4
• eye masks: 20
• gym benches: 8
• small goals: 4
• cones: 12

Teacher tip

Benches on their sides mimic the sideboards that keep the ball in. With a big group, run two fields and have those waiting observe the messages. The usual mistake is everyone shouting at once, so drill "one voice per third."

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