Hidden Roles Tchoukball: Spot the Bad Sport
A tchoukball game in which some players secretly draw a card with a sporting or unsporting attitude to act out without overdoing it. Observers try to spot the roles, and the class then discusses how those behaviors affect the team.
How to play
- Prepare cards: complainer, ball hog, quitter, cheerleader and fair captain; the rest say 'play normally'.
- Make 4 teams of 5 plus 5 observers; deal the cards face down (2 min).
- Play two 6-minute tchoukball games: three passes maximum, no intercepting and no touching opponents.
- Each observer notes who seems to have a role; at the end they guess and the player reveals the card (3 min).
- Circle talk: how did the complainer's team feel, and what did the cheerleader change (4 min)?
- Rotate observers, deal new cards and play another round with the same debrief (10 min).
Rules
- Act roles with mild gestures only: no insults, no pushing.
- Nobody shows their card until the end.
- Never guard the shooter or intercept a pass.
- Safety: shoot from outside the 3 m (10 ft) zone and avoid collisions when catching.
Variations
Easier
One role per team, and the teacher announces which roles are in play.
Standard
Two hidden roles per team, with observers hunting for them.
Harder
Three roles per team, and the group must win the complainer back on its own.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: lead observer, or play with catching after one bounce allowed.
- Autism: always draw 'play normally' and get a picture checklist of behaviors.
- Highly skilled players: must pass to everyone before shooting.
Learning goals
- Identify unsportsmanlike behaviors and their effect on the group.
- Appreciate the impact of positive attitudes on a team.
- Play tchoukball following the no-interference rule.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tchoukball frames: 4
- balls: 2
- pinnies: 10
- role cards: 25
Teacher tip
Don't give negative roles to students who really struggle with that behavior. Remind everyone it's acting: discuss behaviors, not people.
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