Floor Hockey 3-on-1 Keep-Away Squares
In 8 x 8 meter squares, three players pass the ball with their sticks while one tries to win it. Students work on flat passes, receiving with the stick, supporting on both sides of the ball carrier and opening the body to see teammates.
How to play
- Use cones to mark 6 squares of 8 x 8 meters. Make groups of 4 in each square (with 25 students, one group of 5 plays 4-on-1) and hand out one stick per student and one ball per square (3 min).
- Three attackers each take one side of the square and the defender starts inside. Attackers slide along the sides to always give the ball carrier two passing options.
- The defender tries to touch the ball with the stick or knock it out of the square. When they do, they swap places with the attacker who lost the ball.
- Every 5 passes in a row earns the trio 1 point. Play 3-minute rounds and change squares after each round to mix groups (4 rounds, 12 min).
- Finish with a 3-minute challenge: the group with the most passes in a row in one minute wins.
Rules
- The stick never goes above the knee, when passing or defending.
- The defender only plays the ball, never an opponent's stick or feet.
- Keep the ball on the floor; if it is lifted, change defenders.
- Each group counts passes out loud.
Variations
Easier
Play 4-on-1 in a 10 x 10 meter square.
Standard
3-on-1 in an 8 x 8 meter square.
Harder
Play 3-on-2 in a larger square with a two-touch requirement for every player.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: hold one fixed side of the square without defending; give them a shorter or lighter stick.
- Students with visual impairments: use a large, bright-colored ball and a square marked with floor tape.
- Lower fitness levels: rotate the defender every minute even if they do not win the ball.
Learning goals
- Make accurate flat passes to a teammate.
- Control the ball with the stick before passing.
- Offer support on both sides of the ball carrier.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hockey sticks: 25
- floor hockey balls: 6
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Remind students to receive with the stick on the floor and the flat face toward the ball. If a defender cannot win the ball within a minute, swap them so they do not get frustrated.
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