School Field Hockey: 20-Second Shot Clock Game

A 5v5 school field hockey game where each possession lasts at most twenty seconds, and if there is no shot on goal, the ball goes to the other team. Students work on moving quickly toward goal, game tempo, and managing time on offense.

How to play

1. Use a 44 x 22 yd court with two small goals; teams of 5 plus a spare team that runs the clock and calls the time (2 min).
2. Explain (2 min): the clock starts when a team wins the ball; the timekeeper calls "Ten!" and counts the last five seconds out loud.
3. Game (3 x 5 min): with no shot on goal in 20 seconds, the other team restarts from where the ball was. A goal in the first 10 seconds is 2 points; a later goal is 1.
4. Between periods (1 min): the team decides whether to attack fast or keep the ball with passes and use up the clock.
5. Rotate teams and debrief (2 min): which kind of attack scored the most, and which lost the ball the most?

Rules

• The stick never goes above the waist, whether hitting or defending.
• A shot counts only if the ball travels along the ground toward the goal.
• The timekeeper is the only person who calls the time.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: serves as timekeeper or as a fixed passer in his or her own half.
• Hearing impairment: the timekeeper holds up fingers for the countdown instead of calling it.
• Lower fitness: plays every other period, alternating with the spare team.

Learning goals

• Move the ball quickly toward the opponent's goal.
• Manage possession time based on the score.
• Choose to shoot or pass under time pressure.

Equipment for a class of 25

• Hockey sticks: 25
• Balls: 6
• Small goals: 2
• Pinnies: 13
• Cones: 8
• Whistle: 1
• Stopwatch: 1

Teacher tip

The game gets chaotic if nobody passes: remind students that the ball moves faster than they do. Rotate the timekeeper often so everyone plays.

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