Checking and Running in Behind: 4v4 to an End Zone

A 4v4 game where teams score by receiving inside an end zone, and the pass into it only counts if the receiver first checked toward the ball and then ran in behind. Students work on linking passing and movement off the ball and timing their runs into space.

How to play

1. Demonstrate the two runs: checking toward the ball to pin the defender, then spinning in behind (3 min).
2. Mark two 30 x 20 m fields with a 5-meter end zone at each end and form teams of four (2 min).
3. Game 1: score by receiving in the end zone; the student referee cancels the point if there was no check run first (7 min).
4. Tactical stop: each team discusses which passes came too late and why (2 min).
5. Game 2: the pass into the zone must be a first-time pass to force players to time the run early (7 min).
6. Rotate teams and referees, then vote on who made the best runs (4 min).

Rules

• Nobody can stand still in the end zone: players arrive on the run.
• Simplified offside: the receiver cannot be in the zone before the pass is played.
• No tackles from behind or slide tackles.
• Each field has a student referee who rotates with the resting teams.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays as a fixed neutral player on the halfway line who always plays for the attacking team.
• Hearing impairment: phase changes are signaled with colored pinnies and referee hand signals.
• Low fitness: subs in and out freely through a rolling substitution lane.

Learning goals

• Combine checking and running in behind to create space.
• Time the pass with a teammate's run.
• Apply simplified offside rules as a referee.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 24
• pinnies: 16
• balls: 6

Teacher tip

If play gets stuck, widen the field: with more space the contrast between coming short and going long is easier to see.

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