Guard the Hoop: Forearm Dig Defense

A trio game where an attacker tosses the ball to land in a hoop behind the defender, and the defender must dig it with the forearms and direct it to a teammate. It works on a low defensive stance, reaction, and pass control.

How to play

1. Trios with one light ball and one hoop: the defender stands in front of the hoop, the attacker 13 feet away behind a cone, and the target player off to one side, 10 feet from the defender (2 min).
2. The attacker tosses underhand with two hands, trying to land the ball in the hoop to the left or right of the defender.
3. The defender, in a low stance, moves and bumps the ball toward the target player, who tries to catch it without leaving their spot.
4. Defender scores if the target catches it; attacker scores if the ball touches the hoop. If it lands outside both, no one scores.
5. Sets of 8 tosses, then rotate roles: attacker to defender, defender to target, target to attacker (3 rotations, 2 sets each, 12 min).
6. Each student adds up their defender points, and the teacher asks which foot position helped most (2 min).

Rules

• Always toss underhand and below the defender's shoulder height.
• The defender can't step on the hoop or stop the ball with the feet: only forearm contact counts.
• No diving on the floor; if you can't get there, let the ball go.
• All trios face the same direction and stay 10 feet apart.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: defends seated with the hoop beside them, and the attacker tosses from 6 feet.
• Autism: show the role order with a picture and keep the same trio for the whole activity.
• Lower skill level: the attacker uses a very light ball and tosses softer and higher.

Learning goals

• Get into a low, balanced defensive stance.
• React to the toss by moving toward the ball.
• Direct a forearm pass toward a teammate.

Equipment for a class of 25

• lightweight volleyballs: 8
• hoops: 8
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Students tend to swing their arms up; stress a still platform and angling it with the shoulders. Rotate quickly so no one gets worn out on defense.

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