Peace Dove Disc Passing Game

Teams carry their peace dove (a soft flying disc) to the end zone using only passes, first with no defense and then with hawks trying to intercept. Students practice throwing and catching a disc, getting open, and making sure everyone takes part.

How to play

1. Split the field into 4 lanes of 30 x 100 ft with a 15-ft end zone at the far end of each. Form 4 teams of 6 with one disc per team (3 min).
2. Teach the backhand throw and the pancake catch (one hand on top, one underneath). Practice for 3 minutes with partners 15 ft apart.
3. Phase one: teams move up their lane passing the disc; the player holding the dove may not walk with it. If it drops, pick it up and keep going from that spot (5 min).
4. The dove can only enter the end zone after every team member has touched it. Each score adds one peace message, and the team starts again.
5. Phase two: one hawk wearing a pinnie from another team enters each lane and tries to intercept without touching anyone. An interception sends the dove back to the start of the lane (8 min).
6. Switch hawks every 2 minutes. At the end, add up all the teams' messages for a class total (3 min).

Rules

• The player with the disc stays put and may pivot on one foot.
• Hawks stay an arm's length away and may not pull the disc out of a player's hand.
• Throw at chest height to your teammate, never at the face.
• No contact: if two players go for the disc, the second one there pulls up.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: a student using a wheelchair throws and catches at shorter distances, and their passes count double.
• Visual impairment: use a brightly colored disc or one with a bell, and call the student's name before passing.
• Skill level: confident throwers may only pass with their non-dominant hand.

Learning goals

• Throw and catch a flying disc using basic technique.
• Find open space to receive and help the team move forward.
• Make sure every team member takes part in the game.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft flying discs: 6
• cones: 16
• pinnies: 6

Teacher tip

Use soft discs to avoid injuries. Explain that on Peace Day the challenge belongs to the whole class: the final score adds up everyone's messages, and there is no single winning team.

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