Steal and Go: Five-Second Fast Break
An invasion game with hand passes where a goal is worth three points if it is scored within five seconds of a steal. Students practice the fast transition from defense to offense, running into open space, and getting back after losing the ball.
How to play
- Make 4 teams of 6 (one of 7) and set up 2 fields of 30 x 15 m. At each end, mark a 3 m deep end zone with cones.
- Play with hand passes, 3 steps, and 3 seconds with the ball. A team scores by catching a pass inside the opponents' end zone.
- A regular goal is worth 1 point. If a team intercepts and scores within 5 seconds, it is worth 3 points.
- The student waiting on the sideline, or the teacher, counts out loud from one to five after each steal so everyone can hear.
- After each goal, the team that was scored on inbounds from its end zone. Play 3 periods of 4 minutes and switch opponents in the second.
- Between periods, take 1 minute to talk: who sprints forward after a steal, and who gets back on defense after a turnover?
Rules
- Steal only by intercepting, with no contact or swiping.
- On the fast break, look ahead and avoid cutting right in front of an opponent.
- Nobody may camp inside the opponents' end zone waiting for the ball.
- Disagreements about the count are settled by the counter, and everyone accepts the call.
Variations
Easier
Give the fast break 7 seconds and use a 25 x 15 m field.
Standard
A goal within 5 seconds of a steal is worth 3 points.
Harder
The team that lost the ball earns a point if it stops the score within those 5 seconds.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays as a fixed passer in the middle of the field and is the one who counts out loud.
- Hearing impairment: the counter also counts with the fingers of a raised hand.
- Fitness level: skilled players must make at least one pass before a fast-break goal; students who tire can defend near their end zone.
Learning goals
- Attack quickly after a steal to take advantage of a disorganized defense.
- Get back quickly after losing the ball to protect the goal.
- Value the whole team's effort on offense and defense.
Equipment for a class of 25
- cones: 24
- pinnies: 13
- foam ball: 2
Teacher tip
Because steals pay off so much, some players stop defending and wait for the break; remind them that no steal means no triple. Keep the fields well apart because there is a lot of sprinting.
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