Tchoukball Fast Break after the Catch
A two-frame tchoukball game that rewards attacking within a few seconds of catching an opponent's shot, before the other defense can get set. Students work on defense-to-offense transition, quick cuts to get open, and communication.
How to play
- Set up a 28 x 15 m (about 90 x 50 ft) court with a frame at each end and its forbidden zone; form teams of six in pinnies, with two teams waiting to rotate in every 5 minutes.
- Review school rules: a maximum of three passes before shooting, three steps with the ball, no intercepting passes or touching opponents, and a point if the rebound lands on the court.
- New rule: when a team catches an opponent's shot, a 5-second count starts out loud. If they shoot at either frame before the count ends and score, the point is worth 2.
- Ask that, as soon as the opponent is about to shoot, two players already spread to the sides to receive the first transition pass.
- Play 5-minute rounds; at the end of each round, the team coming off tells the incoming team about its best fast break.
- In the last round, the double point only counts if the shot is taken at the frame opposite the opponent's last shot.
Rules
- No contact or interference: no intercepting or blocking opponents.
- In transition, look where you are running and do not cut in front of the receiver.
- No one steps into the forbidden zone to catch or shoot.
Variations
Easier
No 5-second count: any point scored after catching a shot is worth 2.
Standard
A double point for scoring within 5 seconds of catching the opponent's shot.
Harder
The count drops to 4 seconds and the transition shot must come after exactly two passes.
Adaptations
- A student with limited mobility can be a fixed receiver in a side zone, and their passes count as the start of the transition.
- For students who are deaf or hard of hearing, pair the count with fingers raised on one hand.
- Rotate students with lower fitness between playing and subbing every 2-3 minutes.
Learning goals
- Switch from defense to offense in a few seconds.
- Get open to the sides to give a first passing option.
- Choose the best frame based on where the defense is.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Tchoukball frames: 2
- Team handballs: 2
- Cones: 10
- Pinnies: 18
Teacher tip
Teams tend to stand and watch the rebound; insist that two players spread out before the opponent shoots.
PatioLab has "Tchoukball Fast Break after the Catch" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for High School
1-2-3 Touch Cooperative Rally
Two groups of three, one on each side of the net, work together to keep the longest rally possible in three phases: one touch, two touches, and three touches per side.
1-2-3-2-1 Running Pyramid Intervals
An interval workout where the fast segments build from 1 to 3 minutes and back down, with half that time as jogging recovery.
1-on-1 Self-Pass Volleyball
One-on-one games on narrow 10 x 20 foot courts where each player must self-pass before sending the ball over.
10-20-30 interval running in pairs
The 10-20-30 method strings together 30 seconds of easy jogging, 20 at a moderate pace and 10 at top speed, in five-minute blocks.
1v1 Ball Volley Matches
1v1 ball volley: singles games on a small court with a low net, hitting the ball over the net and allowing one bounce.
2-on-1 Fast Break with a Chasing Defender
Two attackers push a fast break against a defender waiting at the basket while a second defender chases from behind with a few yards' head start against them.