Support or Break: Two Kinds of Runs, Two Rewards

A 5v5 game that rewards two kinds of runs differently: the support run close to the ball, and the break run behind the defense. Students learn when to come short to keep the ball and when to run into space to go deep.

How to play

1. Explain and demonstrate both runs: support means coming toward the carrier for a short pass; break means running into the space behind the defense (4 min).
2. 5v5 on a 30 × 15 m field: three support passes in a row earn one point, and catching in the end zone after a break run earns three (7 min).
3. Pause with questions: when should you support and when should you break? What does the defense do to stop each one? (3 min).
4. Game with a high defense: defenders must press in the opponent's half, so space opens behind them (7 min).
5. Each team assigns roles: two support and the rest look to break; play, then switch roles halfway (6 min).
6. Wrap-up: what are these runs called in the sport you play most? (3 min).

Rules

• Pass with your hands and don't walk with the ball.
• A break run counts if you catch on the run inside the end zone.
• No contact and no blocking a runner's path.
• Throw long passes overhead only when nobody is in between.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: play as a supporter receiving announced short passes, and their passes count the same.
• Limited mobility: always a supporter, and three passes in a row through them earn two points.
• Slower students: defenders can't follow them on a break until they cross midfield.

Learning goals

• Tell support runs from break runs.
• Choose the run based on where the defense is.
• Mix short and deep play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 4
• pinnies: 15
• cones: 20

Teacher tip

Mark the end zone with different-colored cones so it's visible from far away. Typical mistake: everyone breaks at once and the carrier has no short option; ask "who's supporting?"

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