Box-Out Battle Around the Ball

A ball sits in a hula hoop on the floor, and defenders with their backs to it must keep attackers from touching it for a few seconds by boxing out; then they apply it to real rebounds. Students practice boxing out, body position and controlled contact.

How to play

1. Make groups of 4 of similar size; place a hoop with a ball inside and mark a 10 ft circle around it.
2. Teach the skill: turn your back to the ball, get low, spread your elbows and feel the attacker with your back, without using your hands.
3. Two defenders by the hoop face out and two attackers wait at the edge; on the signal, attackers try to touch the ball for 5 seconds.
4. If nobody touches it, defenders score; if it gets touched, attackers score. Switch roles every 3 tries (5 min).
5. At a basket, the teacher shoots and each defender boxes out before going for the rebound; a two-hand catch scores a point (5 min).
6. Wrap up by reviewing the keys: turn, contact, hold and grab.

Rules

• No pushing with the hands, holding or tripping.
• Attackers try to get around, never charge straight in.
• Land on both feet when jumping for a rebound.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student shoots or counts as the judge, or boxes out with the wheelchair in a controlled 1-on-1.
• Autism or contact sensitivity: no-contact box-out, holding space with arms wide.
• Lower fitness: attackers in their group start one step farther away.

Learning goals

• Box out by turning and making contact with the back.
• Catch the rebound with two hands and protect it.
• Accept legal contact with respect and control.

Equipment for a class of 25

• youth basketballs: 7
• basketball hoops: 4
• hula hoops: 7

Teacher tip

Keep stressing that contact is made with the back, never the hands. If pushing appears, go back to 1-on-1 for 3 seconds.

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