Partner Soccer (Holding Hands)
A soccer game where every student plays in pairs holding hands, so each pair has to agree on how to move, defend, and kick the ball. Students practice cooperation, communication, and ball control at a slower pace.
How to play
- Form pairs holding hands and group them into teams of three pairs in pinnies; set up two 65 x 40 ft fields with small goals (3 min).
- There are no goalies; either partner may touch the ball, but only while their hands stay joined.
- If a pair lets go, they stop, count to three together, and join hands again before playing on.
- A goal is worth 1 point, or 2 if both partners touched the ball on the play; after a goal, the team scored on restarts.
- Play 3-minute games; after each one, switch partners within the team and switch opponents (10 min).
- At the end, each pair shares the signal they used to decide where to go (3 min).
Rules
- Hands must be joined to touch the ball.
- No yanking your partner's arm.
- No hands on the ball and no tackling.
- Safety: use a foam ball and move at a fast walk or jog, never a sprint.
Variations
Easier
Use bigger goals and allow letting go for one second to shoot.
Standard
Three pairs against three pairs with a foam ball.
Harder
Play in trios holding hands, or only the partner wearing a pinnie may touch the ball.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: link the pair with a scarf or ribbon, and the student may play the ball by hand.
- Autism or touch sensitivity: replace holding hands with both partners holding a scarf.
- Fitness level: pair students with a similar pace so nobody drags the other.
Learning goals
- Coordinate movement with a partner.
- Communicate to make shared decisions.
- Dribble and pass with control at a moderate pace.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam ball: 2
- small goals: 4
- cones: 8
- pinnies: 24
Teacher tip
This is a fun way to break up ball hogging. Remind students never to yank their partner; if it happens, the pair sits out one play.
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