Hoop Target Team Handball
A four-on-four mini team handball game with goalies, where hoops hang in the top corners of each goal. Shooting through a hoop is worth more than a regular goal, so students practice accurate shooting, picking the open side, and moving the ball.
How to play
- Tie two hoops into the top corners of each goal with rope and mark a 16-ft goal area; form teams of 5 (four court players and a goalie) in pinnies, with two games running at once on two half courts (4 min).
- Use the basic rules: three steps, one continuous dribble, and no grabbing; only the goalie may enter the goal area.
- A regular goal is worth 1 point, and a shot through a hoop is worth 3.
- After each goal, the goalie who was scored on restarts with a pass to a teammate.
- Play 4-minute games, rotating the goalie and switching opponents after each one (14 min).
- Finish with 4 minutes of free shooting in lines: each student gets three tries to hit a hoop.
Rules
- Nobody enters the goal area except the goalie.
- No ripping the ball away or hitting the shooter's arm.
- The goalie may not leave the area with the ball.
- Safety: tie hoops securely, use a soft ball, and never shoot at the goalie's head.
Variations
Easier
Shoot with a foam ball, with no goalie, from 13 ft.
Standard
Play 4v4 with goalies; a goal is worth 1 and a hoop is worth 3.
Harder
Hoop shots only count after a jump shot or with the non-dominant hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: shoot from a fixed spot at 13 ft with two undefended tries each attack.
- Visual impairment: wrap hoops in bright tape and have the goalie give verbal cues.
- Fitness level: the goalie spot works as an active-recovery rotation.
Learning goals
- Shoot at a specific area of the goal.
- Move the ball around to find the open side.
- Respect the goal area and basic team handball rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handball: 4
- goals: 4
- hoops: 8
- ropes: 16
- pinnies: 20
Teacher tip
Check the rope knots before starting and after every game. If almost nobody hits a hoop, lower them to mid-height.
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