Hoop Keep-Away: Catch Only Inside a Hoop
Two teams battle for possession on a field scattered with hoops, and a pass only counts if the receiver catches it with a foot inside an open hoop. Students work on keeping possession: finding open space, giving clear passing lanes, and making safe passes.
How to play
- Mark two 65 x 50 ft fields with 12 hoops each, at least 10 ft apart. Make 4 teams of 6 or 7 in pinnies and run two games at once (3 min).
- A pass only counts if the receiver has a foot inside a hoop. Nobody may stay in the same hoop for more than 3 seconds.
- Every 5 completed passes in a row earns 1 point; the team counts out loud and keeps the ball.
- The defense wins the ball with an interception, a catch outside a hoop, or when the passer holds it longer than 5 seconds.
- Play 3 periods of 4 minutes with a 1-minute huddle in between: is it better to fill hoops close to the passer or far away?
- In the last period, remove 4 hoops from each field and switch opponents (5 min).
Rules
- No contact: defend from an arm's length away and never rip the ball away.
- The player with the ball cannot travel, only pivot; one hoop, one player.
- Safety: slow down as you step into a hoop and never jump in at full speed, to avoid slipping.
Variations
Easier
Each team may make one catch outside a hoop per possession.
Standard
Six on six with 12 hoops and a point every 5 passes.
Harder
Passes only count to a hoop more than 16 ft from the last one.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student has a fixed hoop near the sideline, and defenders stay 6 ft away.
- Autism or shyness: start as the pass counter, then play with a buddy who points out open hoops.
- Fitness level: place hoops closer together and sub every 2 minutes.
Learning goals
- Move into open space to give a clear passing lane.
- Keep possession with short, safe passes.
- Close off the hoops nearest the ball when defending.
Equipment for a class of 25
- hoops: 24
- pinnies: 13
- soft balls: 2
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is everyone sprinting to the hoop closest to the ball; freeze the game and have students check the defender before moving. If the floor is slippery, use large flat disc cones.
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