One-Frame Tchoukball
A tchoukball format where two teams attack the same frame placed at one end of the court. It forces quick switches from offense to defense and reading where the rebound will land, in a no-contact sport built around fair play.
How to play
- Teams of 5 in pinnies on half a court; one frame at the end line with a 10-ft semicircular no-go zone marked with cones.
- One team starts at center. Before shooting at the frame they must complete at least 3 passes; no dribbling and no more than 3 steps with the ball.
- If the rebound hits the floor in bounds without the other team catching it, the shooting team scores. If it is caught, no point and the catching team takes over.
- After gaining possession, the new offense must bring the ball back to the half-court line before it can shoot.
- Play 5-minute games on two courts while the fifth team referees and keeps score. After a 1-minute team huddle, rotate opponents and referees (3 games).
- The other team scores if a shot misses the net, the rebound goes out of bounds, or it comes straight back to the shooter.
Rules
- Zero contact: no intercepting passes, stealing the ball, or blocking the passer.
- Nobody steps in the no-go zone, whether shooting or defending.
- Never throw the ball at a player.
- A team may shoot no more than 3 times in a row before the ball goes back to center.
Variations
Easier
Only 2 required passes and a 6-ft no-go zone.
Standard
Three passes and a return to half court after every change of possession.
Harder
The ball must go through the hands of 4 different players before a shot.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays as a set passer in one area and their pass counts as two.
- Hearing impairment: the start and end of each play are signaled by raising a pinnie as well as blowing the whistle.
- Lower skill: players may dribble once before passing.
Learning goals
- Decide quickly whether to attack or set up to catch the rebound.
- Read the path of the ball after it hits the frame.
- Respect the no-contact rule as the foundation of fair play.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tchoukball frame: 2
- team handballs: 2
- pinnies: 25
- cones: 12
Teacher tip
With only one frame, players tend to bunch up in front of it, so ask each team to keep two deep defenders. If the frame has a weak rebound, switch to a softer rubber ball.
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