Floor Hockey Pass Race vs. the Runners

A team game where one group passes the ball with hockey sticks around a circle while the other team runs laps around the outside; passes are counted until the last runner gets back. It builds stick passing and receiving under time pressure plus running endurance.

How to play

1. Make teams of 6. One team forms a circle about 25 ft across marked with cones; the other team lines up next to a start cone outside the circle.
2. Review (3 min): in pairs, practice the push pass and receive by stopping the ball with the stick blade angled toward it.
3. On the whistle, the first runner runs one full lap outside the cones and high-fives the next runner, who goes. Meanwhile, the circle passes the ball in order and counts passes out loud.
4. When the last runner arrives, the teacher blows the whistle and the circle reports its pass total. Only passes the receiver controls count.
5. Teams switch roles: the runners become the circle and vice versa. The team with more passes wins the round.
6. Play 3 rounds (about 4 min each including switches). In the third, the circle may pass in any order but may not pass to the same receiver twice in a row.

Rules

• The stick never goes above the knee when passing.
• Runners always stay outside the cones and run in the same direction.
• If the ball leaves the circle, get it back; that pass does not count.
• Exchange the relay with a high five, never a push.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair is part of the circle with a short stick, and neighbors pass toward the front wheel.
• Visual impairment: use a ball with a bell inside and have the passer call the receiver's name.
• Lower fitness: the student may run a half lap using a shortcut marked with cones.

Learning goals

• Pass and receive the ball with a hockey stick under control.
• Keep a steady running pace during the relay.
• Contribute to the team result both as a passer and as a runner.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hockey sticks: 25
• soft balls: 4
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Circles tend to rush and lose the ball; remind them that a missed pass does not count. Space the circles well apart so runners do not cross paths with other groups.

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