Four-Corner Ball Raid
Four teams each have a hoop base in one corner and a pile of balls in the middle; they bring balls back to their base one at a time, including raiding rival bases. It's a high-energy warm-up that pushes teams to balance offense and defense.
How to play
- Place a hoop in each corner of a 65 x 65-foot square and 12 balls in a big hoop in the center. Form 4 teams of 6 lined up behind their hoop.
- On the whistle, the first player in each line takes a ball from the center, brings it back, and sets it (no throwing) in their hoop; they high-five the next player, who goes.
- Once the center is empty, players may take balls from rival hoops, one at a time.
- Each round lasts 2 minutes; the team with the most balls in its hoop at the whistle wins.
- Between rounds, give 30 seconds for each team to agree on a strategy (who goes first, which base to raid).
- Play 4 rounds and finish with 1 minute of jogging and deep breathing.
Rules
- Carry one ball at a time in your hands, never throw it.
- No guarding the base with your body and no touching raiders.
- Only one player per team goes at a time, after a high-five.
- Slow down before reaching a hoop to prevent collisions in the corners.
Variations
Easier
Play with the center only, no raiding rival bases.
Standard
Free raiding of any rival base once the center is empty.
Harder
Balls must be moved by dribbling with the hand or with the feet.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: move that team's hoop closer to the center, or have the student serve as counter and team strategist with a shorter run.
- Autism: explain the setup with a drawing of the area and keep the student in the same spot in line every round.
- Lower fitness: the student may walk briskly on their turns without penalty to the team.
Learning goals
- Maintain high-intensity activity with repeated sprints.
- Plan a simple team strategy and adjust it.
- Follow the game rules and respect teammates' turns.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 5
- balls: 12
- cones: 4
Teacher tip
The game rarely ends on its own, so the fixed time limit is key. Have lines stand behind the hoop, not beside it, so incoming runners don't crash into those waiting.
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