Pass Interceptors: Three-Ball Hunt
The whole class passes three or four balls around a large area while six interceptors in pinnies try to steal them; whoever loses a ball becomes an interceptor. Students practice reading the ball's path, cutting passing lanes, and passing quickly.
How to play
- Use cones to mark a 25 x 20 m area. Pick 6 interceptors in pinnies who work in pairs; everyone else is a passer, starting with 3 foam balls.
- Passers pass the balls to any player without a pinnie, at least 3 m away, and may not run while holding a ball.
- Interceptors try to catch or touch the ball in the air; they never take it out of anyone's hands.
- When an interceptor steals a pass, they hand their pinnie to the player who threw it and roles switch right away.
- Every 3 minutes, stop for 30 seconds and ask where most steals happen and why; then add a fourth ball.
- Play 4 rounds. In the last one, every steal earns a point for that interceptor pair before they hand over the pinnie.
Rules
- Steal only in the air or off the floor, never from someone's hands.
- Do not pass to someone closer than 3 m or to someone facing away without calling their name.
- Pass in the air or with one bounce, and never toward the head.
- Look around before chasing a ball so you do not collide with anyone.
Variations
Easier
Play with 4 interceptors and 2 balls, and allow bounce passes.
Standard
Play with 6 interceptors in pairs and 3 or 4 balls.
Harder
Passers may only hold the ball for 2 seconds and may not pass back to the player who passed to them.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student is a fixed passer in a marked zone that interceptors may not enter.
- Visual impairment: use brightly colored balls and have passers call the student's name before passing.
- Fitness level: skilled players may only intercept with one hand; students who tire can rest 30 seconds in a sideline zone.
Learning goals
- Read the ball's path to intercept passes.
- Cut passing lanes by working together with a partner.
- Pass quickly to open teammates to avoid interceptions.
Equipment for a class of 25
- pinnies: 6
- foam ball: 4
- cones: 8
Teacher tip
With many balls in play it is easy to spot who looks before passing, so praise it out loud. Avoid hard balls: with so many crossing passes, a few hits are unavoidable.
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