Colpbol Hand-Strike Keep-Away

A colpbol keep-away game where attackers pass the ball by striking it with the hand, never catching it, while defenders try to touch it. It builds striking with an open palm or soft fist, passing off the bounce, and supporting teammates.

How to play

1. Form 5 groups of 5 and mark a circle of cones about 8 yards across for each; four attackers on the edge and one defender in a pinnie inside.
2. Skill work (3 min): in pairs, strike with an open palm and with a soft fist, letting the ball bounce once before the next hit.
3. Keep-away (6 min): attackers strike the ball to each other; one control touch and one bounce are allowed before the pass.
4. If the defender touches the ball or it leaves the circle, the defender swaps with whoever made the last strike; every 8 passes in a row scores a point for the group.
5. Two defenders (5 min): combine two groups in a bigger circle for 6 on 2.
6. Wrap-up (2 min): each group shows its best passing sequence and explains which strike is most accurate.

Rules

• You can't catch the ball: only strike it with your hand or forearm.
• Each attacker may strike no more than twice in a row.
• The defender does not touch the attackers.
• Safety: strike at chest height or lower, never at someone's face.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student stays on the edge with a 2-yard space free from defense and may use both arms.
• Autism: always use the same circle and announce every switch in advance.
• Lower skill: use a larger, softer ball that bounces higher.

Learning goals

• Strike the ball with the hand to aim a pass.
• Control the ball with one touch and one bounce before passing.
• Move to support teammates and keep possession.

Equipment for a class of 25

• colpbol balls: 5
• cones: 30
• pinnies: 5

Teacher tip

A common mistake is striking with the fingers; teach a firm palm. If you don't have colpbol balls, a foam ball of similar size works.

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