Intercrosse: Power Play After a Two-Minute Penalty

Intercrosse games where contact or stick fouls earn a two-minute penalty, timed by a scorekeeper. Teams learn to attack with a player advantage by finding the weak side and to defend short-handed by closing the middle.

How to play

1. Explain the rule: body contact, touching an opponent's stick or a stick above the shoulder means two minutes in the penalty box; the scorekeeper times it and signals the return (3 min).
2. 5 vs. 4 half-field drill: the offense moves the ball quickly and looks for the open player on the weak side before help arrives; five possessions per team, then switch (6 min).
3. Two 5 vs. 5 games on 30 x 20 m fields with a goal crease marked with cones; one referee per field gives penalties and the short-handed team defends in a tight diamond (12 min).
4. Debrief: each scorekeeper reports the number of penalties and power-play goals, and each team suggests one fix for defending a player down (4 min).

Rules

• No body or stick contact: the ball is only intercepted in the air or on the ground.
• The stick never goes above any player's shoulder.
• Nobody but the goalie enters the crease.
• The penalized player waits next to the scorekeeper and returns only when cleared.
• Referees and scorekeepers rotate every game so everyone plays.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays goalie or a fixed passer in a protected zone where they cannot be pressured.
• Hearing impairment: the referee raises a colored card along with the whistle for each penalty.
• Low fitness: plays on the short-handed team, with less running, and subs often.

Learning goals

• Use a player advantage by attacking the weak side.
• Organize a compact defense when short-handed.
• Apply and respect a penalty system as referee, scorekeeper and player.

Equipment for a class of 25

• intercrosse sticks: 24
• intercrosse balls: 4
• pinnies: 12
• cones: 16
• mini goals: 4
• stopwatch: 2
• whistles: 2

Teacher tip

Ask referees to explain each penalty in one sentence so it is seen as part of the game, not as something personal. If there are too many penalties, cut them to one minute.

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