Goalies Shuffle Sideways

Children are goalies who shuffle sideways, without turning around, toward whichever goal the teacher points to and block pretend balls. It works on moving sideways and on telling left from right.

How to play

1. We line up facing the teacher, each in our own spot, feet a little apart and hands ready like a goalie (1 min).
2. We practice the side step: one foot steps out and the other comes to meet it, without crossing (1 min).
3. The teacher points to the cone on one side: everyone shuffles that way and blocks a pretend ball with both hands (2 min).
4. Now the teacher points and also says "Fast!" or "Slow!" to change the speed of our steps (1 min).
5. We cheer for all the saves with a round of applause and shake out our arms and legs (1 min).

Rules

• A goalie always faces forward.
• Feet step sideways and never cross.
• Stop where the teacher points.
• Leave room for the friend next to you.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: in a wheelchair, they move by turning slightly toward the side called and block the ball with their hands.
• Hearing impairment: give every cue with your arm plus a "fast" or "slow" picture card.
• Visual impairment: the teacher claps from the side they need to move toward, and a classmate goes with them.

Learning goals

• Move sideways without crossing their feet.
• Turn toward one side or the other on a signal.
• Adjust the speed of sideways movement.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 2

Teacher tip

Space the line out a lot so nobody steps on anyone. If a child turns and runs forward, remind them a goalie never turns their back on the ball.

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