Gym Broomball
A hockey-style invasion game in which a soft ball is dribbled and passed with bristle brooms. Students practice moving the ball upfield by dribbling and passing, protecting the goal, and transferring these skills to floor hockey with a safe, easy-to-control implement.
How to play
- Set up a 100 x 60 ft field with two goals and a 10 ft crease marked with cones. Make 4 teams of 6 or 7 in pinnies: two teams play 5 on 5 with a goalie while the other two wait (3 min).
- Practice for 3 minutes in pairs, dribbling and passing the ball with the broom, always keeping the bristles on the floor.
- The ball is played only with the broom; the goalie may stop it with the hands inside the crease. No kicking or touching it with the hands.
- After a goal, the team that gave it up restarts from its crease. Each game lasts 4 minutes, then the waiting teams come in (12 min).
- Final game with a three-pass rule before shooting to reward teamwork (4 min).
Rules
- The broom never goes above the knee; if it does, the other team gets the ball.
- No hitting an opponent's broom or legs; steal by putting your broom in the ball's path.
- Nobody except the goalie enters the crease.
- Safety: hold the broom with both hands and stay one broom length away from opponents.
Variations
Easier
Use a bigger ball and small goals with no goalies.
Standard
Five on five with goalies and brooms always below the knee.
Harder
Each player may touch the ball only twice in a row.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: a student in a wheelchair uses a short-handled broom and gets a 6 ft lane along the sideline.
- Visual impairment: use a ball with bells and a buddy who calls out directions to the goal.
- Fitness level: subs are unlimited, and playing goalie offers a chance to rest.
Learning goals
- Dribble and pass the ball with an implement while controlling its height.
- Protect the goal by staying between the ball and the net.
- Follow equipment safety rules and respect opponents.
Equipment for a class of 25
- brooms: 12
- soft balls: 2
- goals: 2
- pinnies: 13
- cones: 10
Teacher tip
Before starting, check the brooms for splinters or loose parts and tape over the end of each handle. Stop play every time a broom comes up high: the habit sticks in the first few minutes.
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