The Walking Target: A Teammate Carries the Hoop

Each team has a hoop holder inside its end strip, and you score by passing the ball through the hoop. Because the target moves, attackers and holder must work together to open a passing lane the defense can't block.

How to play

1. Explain: 25 × 15 m fields with a 3 m strip at each end where only the holder stands, hoop at chest height (3 min).
2. 5v5 game, with the holder on top of the five: you score when the ball goes through the hoop (6 min).
3. Pause with questions: where should the holder stand? How does the defense block the lane to the hoop? (3 min).
4. Rotate the holder after each score; one defender may stand in front of the strip, without entering it, to block (6 min).
5. Two holders per team in the strip: attack whichever hoop is more open (5 min).
6. Wrap-up: in which sports does the target move, or does a teammate set the target? (2 min).

Rules

• The holder keeps the hoop at arm's length, away from the face.
• Mid-height or bounce passes; no hard throws at the hoop from closer than 3 m.
• Nobody except the holder enters the end strip.
• No contact: interceptions only.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with low vision: play holder; the passer calls their name and claps.
• Wheelchair users: play holder, moving along the strip with the hoop on their lap or held in one hand.
• Student with an arm injury: doesn't hold the hoop, plays on the field passing with the healthy arm.

Learning goals

• Open passing lanes to a moving target.
• Coordinate the attacker's movement with the target's.
• Block passing lanes on defense.

Equipment for a class of 25

• hula hoops: 4
• foam balls: 2
• cones: 16
• pinnies: 15

Teacher tip

Use 70–80 cm hoops; smaller ones bog the game down. Typical mistake: the holder stands still in the middle; ask them where the fewest defenders are.

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