End Zone Ball

An invasion game with a foam ball where nobody can run with the ball: you score by catching a pass inside the opponents' end zone. It is a great way to teach getting open, using open space and man-to-man defense that carries over to any team sport.

How to play

1. Use cones to mark two fields of 30 x 18 meters with a 4-meter end zone at each end. Make 4 teams of 6 in pinnies, with two teams on each field (3 min).
2. The player who catches the ball must stop and has 5 seconds to pass; they may pivot but not walk with the ball.
3. A team scores 1 point when a player catches a pass inside the opponents' end zone. After a score, the team that gave up the point restarts from its own end zone.
4. If the ball hits the ground, goes out or is intercepted, possession changes at that spot.
5. Play 4-minute games; then switch opponents on the same field and later switch fields (4 games, 16 min).

Rules

• Defend one-on-one at arm's length, with no contact and no ripping the ball out of hands.
• Nobody may wait in the opponents' end zone for more than 3 seconds.
• Every player must touch the ball before their team can score a second point in a row.
• Only jump for the ball if nobody is underneath, to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: hold a protected support zone in the middle of the field where they cannot be guarded.
• Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: signal the restart after a point by holding the ball up high.
• Lower fitness levels: allow free substitutions with players on the sideline.

Learning goals

• Get open in space to receive a pass.
• Pass accurately to a moving teammate.
• Guard an opponent one-on-one without contact.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 2
• pinnies: 24
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

This activity transfers well: you can run the same game later with a handball or a basketball. If a team piles up in the end zone, remind them of the 3-second rule.

More main activities for Middle School