Cross the River Passing Game
Groups of three attackers must move the ball by passing through three zones in a row, each guarded by one defender who can't leave it. It is a 3v1 overload game that teaches spreading out, passing to the open teammate, and moving forward with patience.
How to play
- Cone off four 26-ft-wide lanes, each split into three 16-ft zones (the river); put one defender in a pinnie in each zone and an attacking trio at the start of each lane (3 min).
- The trio moves forward zone by zone; the ball only moves by passing, and the ball carrier can't walk.
- To move into the next zone, all three attackers must cross and the ball must arrive by a pass; if the defender intercepts, the trio goes back to the start of the lane.
- Crossing all three zones scores 1 point; the trio has 90 seconds to cross as many times as possible.
- After each round, defenders switch to offense and three attackers become defenders in another lane, until everyone has defended (10 min).
- Finish with 3 minutes: what did the trio do when the defender blocked a pass?
Rules
- Defenders stay inside their zone.
- No ripping the ball out of anyone's hands.
- Five seconds max holding the ball.
- Safety: passes below head height, and nobody runs outside their lane.
Variations
Easier
Defenders keep their hands behind their backs and can only block with their bodies.
Standard
Three attackers against one defender per zone.
Harder
The middle zone has two defenders, making it 3v2.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student can defend a narrow zone or attack with an 8-second count.
- Shyness: keep stable trios with trusted classmates.
- Fitness level: use shorter zones for students who need less movement.
Learning goals
- Spread away from teammates to create a passing lane.
- Pass to the open teammate using the overload.
- Work together patiently to move forward as a team.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam ball: 4
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
This is a perfect stepping stone to invasion games with more players. If trios bunch up, ask them to form a big triangle before passing.
PatioLab has "Cross the River Passing Game" and 1299 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
3v3 Mini-Volleyball with Set Passes
Small-sided 3v3 mini-volleyball on small courts, with a bonus for building the play with a set.
4v3 Soccer Counterattack Game
Four attackers try to score on a goal guarded by three defenders, who counterattack toward two small cone goals if they win the ball.
Accuracy Circuit with Cloth Targets
Accuracy stations with cloth targets on the floor and on the wall, where students toss bean bags and score points by ring.
Adapted Beach Handball
An adapted beach handball game with a soft ball: no dribbling, three steps with the ball, and double points for spectacular goals such as jump or spin shots.
Adapted Gaelic Football
A school version of Irish Gaelic football that blends hands and feet: players may run with the ball, hand-pass it with a fist, and kick for goal.
Adapted Speedball
Speedball is an American invasion game that blends soccer and team handball: a ball on the ground is played with the feet, and a ball lifted by the foot into the hands…