Floorball: Head-Up Dribbling While Reading Numbers

In pairs, one student dribbles through a course while the partner shows numbers with their fingers from different spots; the dribbler must call them out without losing the ball. Hits and lost balls are recorded to check whether dribbling is automatic enough to free up the eyes.

How to play

1. Explain the key technique: ball in front and slightly to the side of the stick, short taps, and eyes that go back and forth to the ball instead of staring at it (2 min).
2. In pairs in a 10 x 5 m rectangle: the dribbler goes down and back while the partner, from the side, shows numbers from 1 to 5 by hand; 3 one-minute sets per role (6 min).
3. The partner moves around outside the rectangle and shows the number behind the dribbler, who must turn their head without stopping (4 min).
4. Add a four-cone slalom inside the rectangle and record correct numbers and lost balls per set on the worksheet (5 min).
5. Each pair compares the data from the first and last sets and writes a short conclusion about what makes them lose the ball (3 min).

Rules

• The partner showing numbers always stays outside the rectangle.
• The stick stays below the waist at all times.
• A number not called within 3 seconds counts as a miss, no arguing.
• Rectangles are at least 10 feet apart.

Variations

Adaptations

• Visual impairment: the partner claps instead of showing numbers, and the dribbler points the stick toward the sound.
• Limited mobility: shorter course with no slalom, dribbling from the wheelchair with a short stick.
• Autism: keep the same partner for the whole drill and show a card with the sequence of stages beforehand.

Learning goals

• Dribble the ball with the head up most of the time.
• Pick up information from the surroundings while performing a skill.
• Analyze their own hit and loss data to spot mistakes.

Equipment for a class of 25

• floorball sticks: 28
• floorball balls: 28
• cones: 16
• worksheets: 14

Teacher tip

Stress that head-up dribbling is what lets players see passes and opponents in a game. If most pairs score above 90%, move straight to the harder version.

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