Goalball: Team Defense and the Side-Lying Block
Technical goalball defense lesson: ready position, full lateral body extension and coordinating three defenders by the sound of the ball. It focuses on the safe block, the most under-taught skill and the one that prevents the most injuries.
How to play
- Technique without the ball: kneeling ready position, controlled side-lying drop with arms extended overhead and legs together, protecting the face (5 min).
- Blocks in trios without masks: a thrower rolls slowly from 6 m to the left, center or right; the defender listens and lies down in the path (6 min).
- Masked team defense: three defenders on wing, center and wing; the forward center directs with their voice and each covers their zone (9 min).
- Review: observers point out gaps between defenders and how to fix them (5 min).
Rules
- Roll the ball only; no bouncing or high throws in this lesson.
- Always block on your side with your face protected behind your arms.
- Total silence while the ball is live.
- Lines are taped over a rope so players can feel them.
Variations
Easier
No masks and a very slow ball.
Standard
Masked team defense with medium-speed throws.
Harder
The thrower fakes before releasing and the defense must wait for the real sound.
Adaptations
- Blind student: plays on equal terms and can lead their trio's orientation; in goalball everyone wears eyeshades.
- Student with back problems: throws and observes, no drops.
- Student uneasy about covering their eyes: defends without a mask, eyes closed, then switches to the mask when ready.
Learning goals
- Perform the side-lying block with safe technique.
- Coordinate trio defense by sound and voice.
- Know goalball as a sport created for blind athletes.
Equipment for a class of 25
- bell balls: 4
- eye masks: 30
- masking tape: 3
- thin rope: 1
- mats: 6
Teacher tip
Without a goalball, put an old basketball in a bag with bells or use a sound soccer ball; never use a hard ball for blocking drills. Lay mats in the defense zone if the floor is hard.
PatioLab has "Goalball: Team Defense and the Side-Lying Block" and 8714 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for High School
"Switch!": Talking Defense Against Screens in 3v3
3v3 games where the offense uses ball screens and the defense must decide out loud whether to switch or stay with their player.
“Throw Like a Girl”: Your Other Arm Explains It
In pairs, each student throws with their dominant arm and their other arm while their partner checks technique.
1 vs. 1 Channel Duel: Dodge and Score
In narrow channels, an attacker with the ball tries to reach the line without the defender pulling a tag.