Ten-Pass Warm-up Game
Keep-away warm-up in which two teams in pinnies compete for the ball and score a point for ten passes in a row, counted out loud. It warms students up in a game setting and works on getting open, communication and passing.
How to play
- Mark an area of about 20×20 meters (about 65×65 ft) and form two teams in pinnies; with 25 students, set up two fields with two teams of 6 each and one neutral player.
- The team with the ball counts its passes out loud, all together.
- At ten passes in a row the team scores a point and the ball goes to the other team, which inbounds it from the sideline.
- If the other team intercepts or the ball goes out, the count resets to zero and possession changes.
- Play 3-minute games with 30 seconds of rest, switching opponents between fields (about 3 games).
- Before the last game, ask what it takes to reach ten and have teams try it.
Rules
- You can't pass back to the teammate who just passed to you.
- No contact: no pushing, grabbing or ripping the ball out of someone's hands.
- Maximum 3 seconds holding the ball, and no traveling with it.
- Anyone going for an interception slows down before running into an opponent.
Variations
Easier
Teams score with six passes in a row.
Standard
Teams score with ten passes in a row.
Harder
Every player on the team must touch the ball before a point counts.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student plays as a neutral player who is always on the team with the ball and can't be intercepted.
- Shy students: the neutral role is a good starting point, and they can be the one who counts passes out loud for their team.
- Skill difficulties or low fitness: a soft ball and one extra second allowed with the ball.
Learning goals
- Warm up in game situations.
- Practice getting open and using space.
- Communicate with teammates to keep possession.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balls: 2
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
If a team can't score, temporarily lower the number of passes needed or give them the neutral player. Remember it's a warm-up: start the first game at a lower intensity.
PatioLab has "Ten-Pass Warm-up Game" and 599 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
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