End Line Soccer

A game with no goals in which a team scores by dribbling into the other team's end zone and stopping the ball with the sole. Students practice dribbling into open space, passing to beat defenders, and defending the full width of the field.

How to play

1. Set up two 30 x 20 yard fields with cones and mark a 3-yard-deep end zone behind each end line.
2. Make 4 teams of 6 with pinnies; each team attacks one end zone and defends the other.
3. A point is scored when a player dribbles into the end zone and stops the ball under the sole; receiving a pass inside does not count.
4. After each point, the team that gave it up restarts with a pass from its own end line.
5. Play 2 games of 6 minutes with a 1-minute break so each team can try spreading play to the sidelines, where there is more space.
6. In the final 3-minute round, put two balls in play on each field.

Rules

• No defender may camp in their end zone; they may only enter while chasing an attacker.
• No shoulder charges and no tackles from behind.
• The ball must come to a complete stop under the sole for the point to count.
• Sideline restarts are kicked in, with opponents 2 yards back.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student scores by entering the end zone carrying or pushing the ball, and no one may steal within 3 feet.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: use a visual start and stop signal and have the captains go over the rules with gestures.
• Fitness level: allow free substitutions every 2 minutes with a teammate on the sideline.

Learning goals

• Dribble into open space with eyes up.
• Combine passing and dribbling to get past the defense.
• Defend the full width of the field as a team.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 4
• pinnies: 12
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

With no goalies the game spreads out and more students get involved; keep reminding them to use the sidelines. Watch for anyone waiting inside the end zone.

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