Floorball Box Defense in Front of the Goal
A floorball scenario where four defenders form a box in front of their goal and shift it as a unit depending on where the ball is. Students work on zone defense, communication, and patient attacking against a packed defense.
How to play
- Two half-courts, each with a goal and goalie; each has four defenders, four attackers, and three neutral players who pass for the offense from outside a cone line 10 m out (3 min).
- Explain the box (2 min): two defenders in front, 5 m from the goal, and two behind near the posts; when the ball goes wide, the whole box shifts without opening the middle.
- Thirty-second possessions: the offense tries to score; the defense earns a point by stealing and clearing past the 10 m line or by running out the clock. The closest defender calls “ball” and pressures, and the other three close in behind.
- Rotate groups every 3 minutes: offense to defense, defense to neutrals, neutrals to offense; switch goalies every two rotations (9 min).
- Wrap-up (4 min): free 4-on-4, then ask what the offense did to open up the box.
Rules
- Sticks never come above the waist.
- No field player enters the goalie's crease.
- No hitting an opponent's stick and no playing the ball with a hand.
- Safety: block shots standing up; dropping to the floor to stop the ball is not allowed.
Variations
Easier
The offense may only pass, not stickhandle, giving the defense time to shift.
Standard
A four-player box against four attackers and three neutrals, with 30 seconds.
Harder
No neutrals, 20 seconds per possession, and the defense counterattacks a small goal after a steal.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: stationary neutral outside, earning a bonus point for an assist.
- Hard of hearing: the pressuring defender raises a hand instead of calling out.
- Lower skill level: plays a back spot in the box, with less movement.
Learning goals
- Shift the defensive box as a unit with the ball.
- Communicate who pressures and who covers.
- Attack a packed defense with quick ball reversals.
Equipment for a class of 25
- floorball sticks: 24
- floorball balls: 6
- small goals: 4
- cones: 16
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
When one defender steps up, the others tend to ball-watch and leave the middle open: freeze play a couple of times so they see it. Mark the four box spots with cones at first.
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