Goalie Starts the Break: Save and Long Outlet Pass

After a save or a loose ball, the goalie finds the wing already running up the sideline with a long pass. It trains the first pass of a fast break, quick wing breakouts and communication with the goalie.

How to play

1. Two goalies per goal and two lines of wings at the corners of the court (3 min).
2. The goalie gets a ball from the teacher, the wing breaks and the goalie leads them with a long pass (5 min).
3. The wing catches, takes three steps or dribbles and shoots at the far goal where another goalie waits (6 min).
4. Add a chaser who starts one second after the wing (6 min).
5. 3v3 half-court game where a goal right after a direct goalie pass counts double (5 min).

Rules

• The goalie leads the wing, never throws at their body.
• The wing looks back to call for the ball.
• Chasers don't touch the attacker; they only try to intercept or get there first.
• Return along the opposite sideline to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Arm injury: plays receiving wing with the healthy hand or keeps score.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the wing raises an arm to call for the ball and the goalie answers with a signal.
• Beginners: one dribble allowed before passing and a 15 m distance.

Learning goals

• Start a fast break with an accurate long pass.
• Break quickly down the sideline after a turnover.
• Communicate with the goalie.

Equipment for a class of 25

• handballs: 10
• goals: 2
• cones: 10
• pinnies: 12

Teacher tip

The long pass almost always falls short; ask for an approach step and a high arm. Rotate everyone through goal so all students try the outlet pass.

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