Intercrosse: Goalie Restart and Transition After a Goal

A focus on restarts in intercrosse: after a goal or out-of-bounds ball, there are five seconds to put the ball back in play. Teams rehearse short and long outlets and use data to see which works best against pressure.

How to play

1. Explain the restart rules: after a goal the goalie restarts from the crease within five seconds; when the ball goes out, the other team restarts from the line, also within five seconds (2 min).
2. 3 vs. 2 outlet: the goalie passes to one of three attackers who spread to the sidelines while two defenders press; alternate short outlets to the sideline and long passes to the middle (5 min).
3. 4 vs. 4 games plus goalies: a goal is worth one point, but a goal within ten seconds of a goalie restart is worth two; the scorekeeper logs each restart and whether it ends in a goal, a turnover or a set offense (10 min).
4. Using the scorecard, each team decides which outlet gave it the biggest edge and explains it to the other team (3 min).

Rules

• The goalie has five seconds to restart; the referee counts out loud.
• Defenders cannot enter the crease to pressure the goalie.
• No contact or stick hits; the ball is intercepted only with the net.
• Each player holds the ball for five seconds at most.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays goalie, with a larger crease and a narrower goal.
• Autism: always has the same starting position and is told about role changes ahead of time.
• Low vision: uses a fluorescent ball and the goalie calls their name before passing.

Learning goals

• Execute quick restarts within the five-second rule.
• Choose between short and long outlets depending on pressure.
• Use the scorekeeper's data to make team decisions.

Equipment for a class of 25

• intercrosse sticks: 24
• intercrosse balls: 6
• pinnies: 12
• cones: 16
• mini goals: 4
• cards: 4
• pencils: 4

Teacher tip

The double-point transition goal is what pushes teams to play fast, so keep it. With a simple three-column card, the scorekeeper can keep up easily.

More main activities for High School