Monkey in the Middle Bounce-Pass Trios
The classic keep-away game in groups of three: two players pass the ball while the player in the middle tries to intercept, and whoever loses the ball goes to the middle. It warms students up with short footwork and builds fakes, bounce passes, and reading the defender.
How to play
- Form groups of three with one team handball and mark a 6-yard-wide lane for each group with two lines or cones.
- Quick warm-up (1 minute): all three pass in a triangle with no defense, alternating chest and bounce passes.
- One player stands in the middle; the other two stand on each side of the lane and pass the ball trying to keep it away.
- If the middle player touches or catches the ball, they switch places with whoever made the last pass and play continues nonstop.
- To keep it moving, the passer has 3 seconds to pass and can slide along their side of the lane.
- Play 6 minutes total; halfway through, all passes must be bounce passes or overhead passes.
Rules
- The middle player can't touch the passer: they only go for the ball.
- No one stays in the middle more than 1 minute in a row: if that happens, rotate anyway.
- Passes must stay below the height of the middle player's outstretched arms.
- Groups play in parallel lanes so balls don't roll into other zones.
Variations
Easier
8-yard lane, and the middle player may only walk.
Standard
6-yard lane, 3 seconds to pass, and rotate on a touch.
Harder
5-yard lane, 2 seconds to pass, and a fake required before every pass.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play as a fixed passer at one end, with the middle player limited to their zone.
- Students with autism or shy students: start with the teacher in the middle so everyone sees the game and explain the rotation ahead of time.
- Lower skill level: use a soft ball and allow one dribble before passing.
Learning goals
- Use fakes and bounce passes to beat a defender.
- Read the defender's position and choose the type of pass.
- Accept role changes with good sportsmanship.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handballs: 8
Teacher tip
Many students always lob it over the middle player: introduce the low-pass rule early so they learn to fake. Watch that no one stays in the middle too long so they don't get frustrated.
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