Soccer Tennis over a Low Net
Divided-court game in which teams of 3 send a soft ball over a low net using feet, thighs and head, with bounces allowed between touches. Students practice kicking, controlling the ball into space and working together to build a play.
How to play
- Set up 4 courts about 16 x 26 ft with a low net or bench at 2–2.5 ft and cones in the corners. Teams of 3, two teams per court; any extra students rotate in (3 min).
- 3-minute practice in threes: pass the ball with your feet, letting it bounce once between touches.
- Game: drop-kick serve from the back line. Each team gets up to 3 touches, with one bounce allowed between touches, before sending it over the net.
- Score when the ball bounces twice in a row on the other side, goes out or is touched with a hand. 4-minute games, rotating opponents (12 min).
- Final game: the touch that sends the ball over must use the non-dominant leg (2 min).
Rules
- No hands or arms.
- Nobody touches the ball twice in a row.
- Safety: no high kicks toward an opponent's face, and nobody crowds the net when kicking.
Variations
Easier
Players may catch the ball with their hands once per rally and drop it to their foot.
Standard
Three touches with one bounce between them.
Harder
Only one bounce per rally in total, or the last touch must be a header or thigh.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays with hands while others use feet, with two bounces allowed for that student.
- Visual impairment: a ball with a bell and teammates who call out its direction.
- Skill level: a large foam ball that bounces less and is easier to control.
Learning goals
- Kick the ball over the net with control.
- Control the ball with different body parts.
- Share touches among all team members.
Equipment for a class of 25
- soft ball: 4
- low net: 4
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
A soft, slightly deflated ball makes control much easier. Cue students to use the inside of the foot, not the toe, for better accuracy.
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