Floor Hockey 4-on-4 with a Shooting Zone
A 4-on-4 floor hockey game in which shots are only allowed from a marked zone in front of each goal. Teams must move up the floor with passes, get open in the shooting zone and defend by protecting the central space in front of goal.
How to play
- Split the gym into two fields of 25 x 15 meters. On each field, mark a 6-meter semicircle with cones in front of each small goal; that is the shooting zone (4 min).
- Make 6 teams of 4 in pinnies; two teams play on each field and the other two wait as referees for high sticks and fouls.
- Play without goalies. A goal only counts if the shot comes from inside the zone; nobody may stay inside their own zone on defense for more than 3 seconds.
- Play 5-minute games and rotate: the referees come on and the team that has played longest comes off (4 games, 20 min).
- At each change, the refereeing team points out one good passing play they saw.
Rules
- Sticks stay below the knee; raising one is a foul and a free hit for the other team.
- No kicking the ball on purpose.
- No contact: play the ball, never push with the body or the stick.
- Free hits are taken with opponents 3 yards away.
Variations
Easier
Play 4-on-3 in favor of the less experienced team and widen the shooting zone to 8 meters.
Standard
4-on-4 without goalies and a 6-meter shooting zone.
Harder
Before shooting, the team must play through both halves of the field and complete at least 3 passes.
Adaptations
- Students with limited mobility: use a shorter stick on a sideline where only one opponent may defend them from stick length.
- Students who are deaf or hard of hearing: referees signal fouls by raising an arm and a stick.
- Lower fitness levels: referee more often or play 3-minute games.
Learning goals
- Move the ball with passes into the shooting zone.
- Get open in the space near the goal.
- Defend the middle without committing stick fouls.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hockey sticks: 25
- floor hockey balls: 4
- small goals: 4
- pinnies: 24
- cones: 20
Teacher tip
Use light or hollow plastic balls so shots do not hurt. Remind the class that the high-stick referee has the final say: respecting that call keeps everyone safe.
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