Reinforcements: One More Player Every Three Passes

The attack starts short-handed, 2v3, and every three passes in a row a teammate enters from the sideline. Students learn to keep the ball until they have an advantage, then use it when it arrives.

How to play

1. Explain and play a first round: two attackers vs three defenders on a 20 × 15 m field, with three teammates waiting on the sideline (4 min).
2. Continuous rounds: every three passes one attacker enters, up to 5v3; score by catching beyond the end line, and roles switch each possession (7 min).
3. Pause with questions: when is it easiest to score? What do the players waiting on the sideline do? (3 min).
4. Variation: if the defense intercepts, the round doesn't end; instead one more defender enters and the attack must win the ball back with what it has (6 min).
5. Final round counting how many passes each team needs, plus a transfer question: in which sport do teammates arrive late to join a fast break? (5 min).

Rules

• Pass with your hands and don't walk with the ball.
• Players entering from the sideline come in at their entry cone, never behind a defender.
• No contact: interceptions only.
• The whole attacking team counts passes out loud.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the teacher holds up fingers to show the pass count and signal entries.
• Limited mobility: always the first attacker on court and gets a one-meter free zone to receive.
• Hesitant students: start on the sideline and enter once the team already has the advantage.

Learning goals

• Keep possession when outnumbered.
• Take advantage of numerical superiority when it arrives.
• Understand why joining the attack matters.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 16
• pinnies: 15
• foam balls: 4

Teacher tip

Each team of five plays two rounds on attack and two on defense before switching opponents. Typical mistake: with the advantage they keep passing without moving forward; ask "it's 5v3 now, what are you waiting for?"

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