Knee-High Soccer: Ground Passes Only
An inclusive 5v5 game where the ball may never rise above knee height: if it does, possession changes. Students practice ground passing and receiving, in a safer and more welcoming game for anyone afraid of getting hit by the ball or newer to soccer.
How to play
- Two 30 x 20 yd fields with two small goals at each end and no goalkeepers. Form five coed teams of 5; the resting team serves as height judges on the sidelines.
- Explain the key rule: the ball must always stay below the knee. If it goes higher, a judge raises a hand and the other team restarts with a kick.
- A goal counts only if the ball rolls into the small goal along the ground.
- Play 5-minute games; after each one, the judging team rotates in for the losing team or the team that has played longest.
- Play 18 minutes in total and close with 2 minutes of discussion: How does the game change when the ball stays on the ground?
Rules
- Ball above the knee means a restart for the other team from that spot.
- No hard shots from closer than 3 yards to another player.
- No slide tackles or rough contact; after any collision, stop play and restart with a drop ball.
- The height judges make the call and nobody argues it.
Variations
Easier
Each team may use a hand once per attack to stop a high ball.
Standard
Ball always below the knee, with goals only along the ground into small goals.
Harder
Two-touch limit, and the whole team must be in the attacking half for a goal to count.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays with a softer ball and a 2-yard protected zone around them.
- Anxiety or fear of the ball: the student starts as a height judge and joins when ready.
- Higher skill level: the student may only use their non-dominant foot.
Learning goals
- Strike the ball along the ground with the inside of the foot to pass and shoot.
- Receive the ball and turn it toward open space.
- Help create a safe, inclusive game for the whole group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soccer balls: 3
- small goals: 8
- pinnies (five colors): 25
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
This rule cuts down on balls to the face and gets quieter students involved who usually hide in regular games. Choose fair-minded height judges and switch them every game.
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