Flag Rugby Gates Game
A 5-on-5 flag rugby game with no try line: teams score by running the ball through any of six cone gates scattered around the field. It forces players to look up, find open space, and switch the point of attack.
How to play
- On a 30 x 25 m (about 100 x 80 ft) field, set up 6 gates, each 2 m wide, scattered at random with cones. Make teams of 5 in pinnies and flag belts; run two games side by side if you have room (2 min).
- The attacking team starts from the center with a backward pass. The ball carrier can run in any direction but may only pass backward or sideways.
- Running the ball through a gate scores 1 point. The team must then attack a different gate before using the same one again.
- When a flag is pulled, the ball carrier stops and passes backward within 3 seconds. After 4 flag pulls, possession switches.
- If the ball hits the ground or goes forward, the other team restarts from that spot with defenders back 3 m.
- Play two 7-minute halves with a 1-minute break so each team can agree on a plan; switch opponents for the second half (2 min for changes).
Rules
- No tackling or pushing: defenders only pull flags.
- Nobody may stand inside a gate to block it; stay one step outside the cones.
- Safety: ball carriers may not guard their flags with an arm or spin to hide them.
Variations
Easier
Allow only 3 flag pulls per possession and make the gates 3 m wide.
Standard
5-on-5, six 2 m gates, and a turnover after 4 flag pulls.
Harder
A score only counts if at least three players have handled the ball during that possession.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can score by catching a pass inside a gate, and nobody may defend within 2 m.
- Hearing impairment: agree on visual signals for a flag pull (arm up) and a turnover (arms crossed).
- Skill or fitness level: balance teams and let less experienced students take the restart after each turnover.
Learning goals
- Scan for the least-defended gate before attacking.
- Choose between running and passing based on where defenders are.
- Apply the basic no-contact rules of flag rugby.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 25
- foam footballs: 3
- cones: 24
- pinnies: 13
Teacher tip
At first everyone chases the ball, so freeze play and point out the empty gates. Spread the gates so no two sit side by side.
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