Guard the Pin 5-on-5

Each team guards a pin set inside a circle nobody may step into and scores by knocking over the other team's pin with a throw. Students work on getting open, quick passing to pull the defense out of position and team defense around a target.

How to play

1. Mark two fields of 25 x 15 meters. In the middle of each end, place a large cone or pin inside a 3-meter circle marked with small cones or hoops. Make 4 teams of 6 in pinnies (3 min).
2. Play with the hands: the player with the ball may not walk and has 4 seconds to pass or throw at the pin.
3. Nobody may enter either circle. Knocking down the other team's pin is worth 2 points and hitting it without knocking it down is worth 1.
4. After each point, the team that gave it up restarts from its circle. If the ball goes out, the other team throws it in from the sideline.
5. Play 4-minute games, changing opponents and fields; 4 games in total (about 16 min).

Rules

• Guard the ball handler at arm's length, with no contact.
• Stepping into your own circle to defend gives the other team a point.
• Throws at the pin are at waist height or lower.
• Every player must touch the ball before the team can score twice in a row.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: play in a side zone where they can only be guarded from 2 yards away, and their hits count double.
• Students with autism or shy students: may start as the pin resetter and then join the game.
• Lower fitness levels: allow free substitutions with teammates on the sideline.

Learning goals

• Get open to create passing and throwing lanes.
• Throw accurately at a small target.
• Defend as a group around the circle without stepping in.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 2
• cones: 30
• hoops: 4
• pinnies: 24

Teacher tip

With teams of 6 playing 5-on-5, the sixth player is a neutral who plays with the attacking team and changes every game. Keep spare pins handy, since they fall often.

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