Tchoukball Zone Defense Game
A one-frame tchoukball game where one team defends the rebound split into zones while the other team attacks looking for gaps. Students learn zone and line defense, anticipating the rebound, and making smart decisions as the shooter.
How to play
- Form groups of 8 per frame: 4 attackers and 4 defenders in pinnies; use cones to mark 4 equal defensive zones in front of the frame, behind the forbidden zone.
- Phase 1 (5 min): each defender stays in their zone and may only catch rebounds landing there; attackers have 3 passes before shooting.
- Each rebound that hits the floor is 1 point for the offense; each rebound caught is 1 point for the defense.
- Phase 2 (5 min): defenders position freely in two lines (2 up front, 2 behind) and compare the score with phase 1.
- Switch roles at 10 minutes and repeat both phases in shorter form (4 min total).
- Debrief (2 min): which defensive setup worked better, and from which angles was it easier to score?
Rules
- Defenders may not bother the shooter or block passes.
- You may hold the ball for no more than 3 seconds.
- Shots are always taken from outside the forbidden zone.
- Safety: two defenders going for the same rebound call it out to avoid collisions.
Variations
Easier
Play 4 attackers against 3 defenders so the offense scores more.
Standard
4 on 4 with fixed zones, then two lines.
Harder
Attackers may only shoot after a jump pass.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student defends the zone closest to the frame, which is smaller.
- Autism: explain both phases with a diagram on the whiteboard before starting.
- Lower skill: the student may catch the rebound after one bounce.
Learning goals
- Organize zone and line defense to cover space.
- Anticipate the rebound based on the shooting angle.
- Compare strategies and draw conclusions as a group.
Equipment for a class of 25
- tchoukball frame: 3
- team handballs: 3
- cones: 24
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
Draw the zones on the whiteboard before heading out so no time is lost. Ask specific questions in the debrief so students connect angle and rebound.
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