Flag Rugby Switch-Ends Call
A flag rugby game on a square field with try zones on all four sides: the teacher can switch each team's attacking line at any moment, and the backward-pass direction switches too. It builds attention, quick reorganization, and spatial awareness.
How to play
- Two 25 x 25 m (about 27 x 27 yd) fields with a 2 m (6 ft) try zone on each side, cones in two colors by direction. Four teams of 6 with flags (3 min).
- A attacks north, B south. Pass backward relative to your line, pass within 3 seconds after a flag pull, and switch possession after 4 pulls.
- Every 40 to 60 seconds: double whistle and a new direction, such as "East-west!" The team with the ball calls which new line it attacks, and the other team defends it.
- From then on, "backward" means away from the new line; a forward pass is a penalty and the other team restarts. A try is 1 point; within 10 seconds of a switch, 2.
- Two 5-minute halves with new opponents (12 min). Finish with 3 minutes: what did you do on the switch, and who called it out?
Rules
- No contact: pull flags only and hand them back.
- After the double whistle, the ball carrier has 3 seconds to call the line their team is attacking.
- Safety: after a switch, everyone turns and looks before running to avoid collisions with teammates.
Variations
Easier
Switches only happen with play stopped after a flag pull, and the teacher assigns each line.
Standard
Square field with four try zones, a switch every 40 to 60 seconds, and double points right after a switch.
Harder
The teacher may signal a switch by holding up a colored cone instead of calling it out.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair can receive in a 2 m (6 ft) free zone along any line, where flags can't be pulled.
- Hearing impairment: announce the switch by raising a cone of the new direction's color, in addition to the whistle.
- Fitness or skill level: students who tire can be their team's "caller" from the sideline for one half.
Learning goals
- Stay alert in order to reorganize after an unexpected change.
- Orient yourself in space to pass backward relative to the new attacking line.
- Follow the rules even in confusing situations.
Equipment for a class of 25
- flag belts: 25
- foam rugby ball: 2
- cones: 32
- pinnies: 12
- whistle: 1
Teacher tip
There will be lots of forward passes right after the first few switches: let the first two go and explain with an example.
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