Open Islands: Pass to Whoever Is Alone

The whole class moves inside a square and balls can only go to someone with nobody within two meters. It's a group warm-up that trains students to see and fill open space.

How to play

1. Free jog in a 20 × 20 m square with five balls passing around the group (2 min).
2. "Snapshot!": everyone freezes, ball carriers point to an "island" (someone with nobody within two meters), pass to them and play on (2 min).
3. Four interceptors in pinnies join; nobody holds the ball over three seconds and you may only pass to someone alone (3 min).
4. Swap interceptors every minute and finish with the question: what did you do to become an island? (3 min).

Rules

• Interceptors play the ball, never the person.
• Two-handed, mid-height passes.
• No running with the ball in your hands.
• If two people go for the same ball, slow down and let one have it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: play with a guide partner who calls out where the space is.
• Wheelchair users: their island only needs one meter of space instead of two.
• Less confident students: start with their own ball and pass only to people they choose until comfortable.

Learning goals

• Spot teammates with no defender close by.
• Move into empty space.
• Raise heart rate progressively.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 5
• pinnies: 4
• cones: 4

Teacher tip

Mark the square clearly with four cones so nobody drifts out the sides. Typical mistake: everyone crowds the ball; freeze play and ask where the open space is.

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