Soft Lacrosse 4v4 No-Contact Game

A small-sided 4-on-4 soft lacrosse game with no contact and no goalies, using modified rules that require passing before shooting. It builds team play, contact-free defense that cuts off passing lanes, and fair play in a new sport.

How to play

1. Set up 3 fields of 25 x 15 yards with a small goal at each end and a 3-yard crease no one may enter; form 6 teams of 4 in pinnies (student 25 rotates in as a sub).
2. Explain the rules (3 min): start from the center with a pass, the ball carrier has 4 seconds to pass, and defenders stay one stick length away.
3. If the ball drops, the first player there scoops it; if two arrive together, the team that did not touch it last gets possession.
4. A goal only counts if the team has made at least 3 passes in the attacking half.
5. Play 6-minute games; after each game, teams switch opponents so everyone plays everyone (4 games, about 24 min).
6. Before the third game, take a 1-minute break for each team to choose its defense: one defender per attacker or two closing the middle.

Rules

• No body contact and no hitting an opponent's stick or body with your stick.
• You may intercept a pass, but you may not knock the ball out of an opponent's stick.
• The ball is played only with the stick.
• Safety: the stick never goes above shoulder height near another player; a serious foul means 1 minute on the sideline.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays as a fixed passer in the middle with 6 seconds of possession and no direct guarding.
• Hearing impairment: the referee raises a flag to stop play in addition to blowing the whistle.
• Lower skill: the student may scoop a loose ball unopposed for 2 seconds.

Learning goals

• Apply passing and getting open in a small-sided game.
• Defend without contact by cutting off passing lanes.
• Follow the rules and stay safe in a stick sport.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft lacrosse sticks: 25
• soft balls: 6
• small goals: 6
• pinnies: 12
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

The main risk is a high stick; call it quickly and calmly. Before the game, make sure everyone can scoop and pass from the earlier lessons.

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