Sunday's Game: Saturday Night Counts
Before each round of a small-sided game, teams draw 'Saturday night' cards (little sleep, drinking alcohol, smoking, resting well, staying hydrated) that add or remove playing conditions. Teams adapt their tactics, and afterward the class compares the experience with evidence on alcohol, tobacco, sleep and performance.
How to play
- Explain the cards and their effects: alcohol means waiting two seconds before passing (slower reaction); little sleep means the team defends a wider field; smoking means walking five seconds after each sprint; good rest and hydration cancel one negative condition (3 min).
- 6-on-6 end-zone ball or ultimate with a ball; each team draws two cards and takes one minute to plan how to make up for them (3 min).
- Round 1 with the conditions drawn (6 min).
- Rounds 2 and 3, drawing new cards before each one (12 min).
- Evidence-based discussion: alcohol hurts recovery, sleep and coordination; smoking reduces aerobic capacity; sleep and rest are part of training. Each team suggests a Saturday plan that allows fun and still performing on Sunday (6 min).
Rules
- Conditions are game simulations only: no one acts drunk.
- No contact: the ball is won only by interception or turnover.
- Personal habits are not judged; the talk is about choices and their effects.
- An observer on each field makes sure conditions are followed.
Variations
Easier
Use only two card types, one negative and one positive, and play one round fewer.
Standard
Five card types, three rounds with tactical planning and an evidence-based discussion.
Harder
Cards stack from round to round, just like repeated habits.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays as a fixed passer in a protected zone or acts as the observer who applies conditions.
- Hearing impairment: cards are shown to the team in writing, and each round starts with a visual signal.
- Low fitness level: subs in often, and the team can use unlimited substitutions.
Learning goals
- Understand how alcohol, tobacco and rest affect sports performance.
- Adapt team tactics to changing conditions.
- Plan a night out that fits with health and sports.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balls: 2
- pinnies: 24
- cards: 30
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Stress that the alcohol card is no joke and that the real effect is far worse than waiting two seconds. Alcohol is illegal for minors in Spain; frame the discussion around health, not punishment.
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