Lose Your Shadow: Get Open to Receive
In a square with three fixed passers on the sides, one offensive player tries to lose their defender to catch and return the ball. Students practice changes of speed and direction to get open, and how to guard a player without the ball.
How to play
- Make 5 groups of 5 and mark an 8 x 8 m square with cones for each group. Three students stand outside, one on each side, as passers sharing one ball.
- One offensive player and one defender in a pinnie go inside. The defender is the shadow and tries to stop the offensive player from catching the ball.
- The offensive player uses fakes and changes of speed and direction; when open, they raise a hand to call for the ball.
- Each clean catch is one point; the offensive player returns the ball to a different passer. If the defender touches the ball, there is no point.
- Each round lasts 40 seconds. Then rotate: offense goes to defense, the defender becomes a passer, and a passer steps in on offense.
- Complete 2 full rotations (10 rounds) and finish with a record round where everyone tries to beat their best score.
Rules
- No holding, pushing, or blocking with the arms: defense is played with the feet.
- Passers may not step inside the square.
- If the two players collide, stop the round and restart from the middle.
- Only pass when your teammate has called for the ball with a raised hand.
Variations
Easier
The defender keeps both hands behind their back and the square is 10 x 10 m.
Standard
Play 1-on-1 in an 8 x 8 m square with three passers.
Harder
Use a 6 x 6 m square with only two passers, and the offensive player must catch while moving.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays as a passer and the square is enlarged so the offense has to work harder to reach them.
- Hearing impairment: start and stop each round with a visual signal by raising a cone, and the offense calls for the ball with a raised hand.
- Fitness level: shorten rounds to 30 seconds for students who tire; skilled players must catch on a different side each time.
Learning goals
- Get open using changes of speed and direction.
- Guard a player without the ball by staying between them and the passer.
- Call for the ball with clear signals at the right moment.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 20
- soft balls: 5
- pinnies: 5
Teacher tip
Many students run nonstop and never get open; teach them to move away first and then cut hard toward the passer. It is intense, so manage rest breaks.
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