Helpful Words Only: The Useful-Talk Game

A 5v5 passing game in three communication phases: silent, names only, and helpful phrases only. Students discover which messages help the team and which drag it down.

How to play

1. Ten-pass game in total silence on two fields; a team that strings together ten passes scores a point (6 min).
2. Same task, but you may only say the name of the person who should receive the ball (6 min).
3. In a huddle, each team builds its list of helpful phrases: “open,” “behind you,” “no worries, next one” (4 min).
4. Game with helpful phrases only; a put-down or mocking comment gives the ball to the other team (10 min).
5. Compare the three phases: when did you play best, and how did you feel? (4 min).

Rules

• No ripping the ball out of hands; you can only intercept passes.
• The ball carrier has three seconds and can't dribble.
• Helpful phrases are aimed at one person and say what to do or encourage them.
• If a put-down slips out, the speaker can fix it with a helpful phrase and the team gets the ball back.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: in the names phase, use an agreed sign for each person; teammates make sure they're looking before passing.
• Wheelchair users: a 2 m personal zone where they can't be guarded, and their passes count double.
• Quiet students: their challenge is to say three names or helpful phrases during the game.

Learning goals

• Move the ball better through clear communication.
• Tell helpful messages apart from hurtful ones.
• Use encouraging and instructive phrases in real play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• team handballs: 2
• pinnies: 10
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

Put each team's helpful phrases on poster paper for future games. Common issue: vague phrases like “come on”; ask them to say who and what.

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