Gaelic Football: The Mark from a Long Kickout

Introduces an adapted version of the Gaelic football mark: a player who cleanly catches a kickout beyond a line of cones earns a free kick or may play on quickly. Students work on safe high catching and decide which option suits each moment.

How to play

1. Explain the adapted rule: if a kickout travels past the 20 m line and a player catches it cleanly, they can call a mark by raising an arm; the referee awards an unopposed free kick with defenders one meter away, or the player can play on right away (3 min).
2. In groups of four, high catching: the keeper kicks out and two players contest the ball with a vertical jump and arms up, no contact; the fourth player judges whether the catch was clean (6 min).
3. 6 vs. 6 games with the mark rule: the referee calls out “mark” on a clean catch and the scorekeeper logs how many marks are called and how many are played quickly (12 min).
4. Final discussion: when is it better to call a mark and set up the attack, and when to play on fast against a disorganized defense (4 min).

Rules

• In an aerial contest, each player jumps straight up in their own space; pushing or charging is a foul.
• A catch is clean only if the ball has not touched the ground or another player first.
• When a mark is called, defenders stay one meter away until the free kick is taken.
• No more than four steps with the ball in hand before bouncing, soloing or passing.

Variations

Adaptations

• Low vision: uses a high-contrast ball and the keeper calls their name before kicking.
• Overweight or fear of the ball: receives shorter, uncontested kickouts until confident.
• Limited mobility: takes the free kicks awarded from marks.

Learning goals

• Catch high balls with safe, no-contact technique.
• Apply the Gaelic football mark rule.
• Choose between setting up the attack or playing fast depending on the situation.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 6
• pinnies: 24
• cones: 24
• futsal goals: 2
• poles: 4
• colored tape: 1
• whistles: 2

Teacher tip

The official rule uses the 45 m line; on a school court a clearly visible line of cones is enough. Keep a close eye on jumping in aerial contests.

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