Tactical Role Card Game
A 6-on-6 invasion game where each player draws a card with a tactical mission to carry out during play, and the cards rotate every few minutes. Students learn the different roles on offense and defense and how they help the team work together.
How to play
- Prepare a set of 6 cards per team: "close support," "get wide," "cut to the space ahead," "pressure the ball," "protect the middle," and "first one back on defense."
- Make 4 teams of 6 (one of 7, with one duplicate card) and set up 2 fields of 30 x 15 m with 3 m cone goals at each end.
- Play with hand passes, 3 steps, and 3 seconds. A team scores by passing to a teammate who catches the ball just behind the opponents' goal line.
- Before each block, every student draws a card and reads it silently; for 4 minutes they must carry out that mission while playing.
- At the end of the block, each team tries to guess which card each opponent had. Each correct guess adds 1 point to the score.
- Play 4 blocks, rotating cards so every student tries both offensive and defensive roles.
Rules
- Do not show your card to the other team until the block ends.
- No contact: players who pressure stay one arm's length away.
- Carrying out your mission never excuses breaking the game rules.
- Return cards to the pile at the end of each block.
Variations
Easier
Use only 3 card types and let teammates talk about their cards out loud.
Standard
Play with 6 different cards that rotate every 4 minutes.
Harder
Add a "coach" card that can call one 30-second time-out per block.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student chooses close-support or coach cards and plays in a personal zone.
- Autism or reading difficulties: cards include a picture of the mission as well as the text.
- Fitness level: students who tire may ask for a lower-running card; skilled players take the pressure card.
Learning goals
- Understand different tactical roles on offense and defense.
- Carry out a specific job that helps the team play together.
- Watch the opponents to figure out their tactical intentions.
Equipment for a class of 25
- role cards: 24
- pinnies: 13
- foam ball: 2
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Laminate the cards and have them ready before class. The guessing game forces players to observe; ask for specific reasons, not just card names.
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