Floor Hockey Scouting: Read the Opponent and Adjust

While two teams play floor hockey, two others scout them with a checklist to write a scouting report; then they face each other using their game plan. Students practice tactical analysis, group decisions and carrying out a plan.

How to play

1. Make four teams of 6 (A, B, C and D); the extra student keeps time. Each team gets a checklist with three questions: Where do they attack? Who runs their offense? How do they defend? (3 min).
2. Game 1, A vs B (5-on-5 with one sub, 6 min): C scouts A and D scouts B.
3. Game 2, C vs D (6 min): A scouts C and B scouts D.
4. 4-minute team meeting: each team reads the report on its next opponent and agrees on two adjustments, such as shadowing the key player or attacking the weak side.
5. Game-plan games: A vs C and B vs D at once (8 min); a goal from an agreed adjustment counts double if explained afterward.
6. Wrap-up: each team says whether the report was accurate and which adjustment worked (3 min).

Rules

• Sticks stay below the waist and the ball is played with the flat side only.
• Scouts stay off the court and do not talk to players.
• No body or stick contact on opponents.
• Reports describe play, never criticize people.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serve as lead analyst and run the team meeting.
• Autism: use a checklist with boxes to tick instead of open questions.
• Lower fitness: play the deepest defensive spot with subs every 2 minutes.

Learning goals

• Observe and record an opponent's tactics.
• Build a game plan from the analysis.
• Carry out the agreed adjustments in play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hockey sticks: 24
• balls: 4
• small goals: 4
• pinnies: 12
• observation checklists: 8
• pens: 8

Teacher tip

First reports tend to be vague ("they're good"): model a specific observation before starting. Keep scouts back from the court, since the ball comes out fast.

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