Catch If You Can: Getting Open vs Man Marking

In small squares, an attacker tries to receive from a fixed passer while a defender marks them closely. Students learn man-to-man defense (between attacker and ball, active arms) and getting open as a passing option.

How to play

1. 8 x 8 m squares with a passer outside and an attacker and defender inside (2 min).
2. Explain the defensive stance: between attacker and ball, knees bent, arms active (3 min).
3. 1v1: the attacker has 10 seconds to receive; a catch scores a point for offense (5 min).
4. 2v2 with two passers at opposite corners; defenders may help each other (6 min).
5. Rotate all four roles and discuss which cuts worked (4 min).

Rules

• Defend without grabbing, pushing or body blocking.
• The passer may not enter the square.
• If the defender touches the ball, roles switch.
• Rotate every minute to avoid exhaustion.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: fixed passer who can pass to any attacker in the square.
• Visually impaired students: play passer with a sound ball and the attacker calls out.
• Less confident students: start as attacker against a passive defender.

Learning goals

• Position between attacker and ball.
• Get open with changes of pace and direction.
• Defend without fouling.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handballs: 7
• cones: 28
• pinnies: 14

Teacher tip

The defender's typical mistake is watching only the ball and losing the attacker; ask them to "see both". Pair similar levels and rotate often.

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