Non-Contact Quadball: Positions, Hoops and Bludgers

A first full session of adapted quadball with no tackling: each team has three chasers, one keeper, two beaters and one seeker, and scores through any of three hoops set at different heights. Students see how the four roles fit together in one game.

How to play

1. Whiteboard explanation: a goal is worth 10 points; beaters throw bludgers, and anyone hit dismounts and goes back to touch their own hoops; catching the flag runner's flag is worth 30 points and ends the game (5 min).
2. Position practice: chasers pass and shoot at the hoops, keepers defend, beaters throw at moving targets and seekers chase flags (8 min).
3. Game 1, 7 vs 7, no flag runner, swapping positions halfway (10 min).
4. Game 2, full version: at 6 minutes the flag runner enters and the seekers go after it (12 min).
5. Wrap-up: each team says which position decided the game and why (5 min).

Rules

• No tackling or pushing: to win the ball, tag the carrier with your hand, and they must pass within three seconds.
• A player hit by a bludger drops whatever they hold, dismounts and runs to touch one of their hoops before rejoining.
• Bludgers are thrown below shoulder height.
• The broom stays between your legs at all times: letting go counts as being hit.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair users play chaser or keeper with the pole resting on the chair; beaters can't throw at them while they're receiving a pass.
• Students with visual impairments play keeper with a teammate guiding them toward the ball by voice.
• Ankle injury: plays flag runner in a reduced zone or acts as bludger referee.

Learning goals

• Learn quadball's positions and scoring.
• Coordinate offense, defense and beaters within one team.
• Play a coed invasion game with no physical contact.

Equipment for a class of 25

• pvc poles: 30
• hula hoops: 6
• tall cones: 6
• duct tape: 1
• volleyballs: 2
• foam balls: 6
• colored headbands: 30
• flag belts: 2

Teacher tip

Tape each hoop to a pole and stand the pole in a tall cone; set three per side at different heights. Positions are marked by headband: in the official rules the keeper wears green, chasers white, beaters black and the seeker yellow. Typical mistake: everyone chases the ball and nobody gets back on defense.

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