Three Gates on the End Line: Attack the Open One

A 4v4 game where each team attacks three cone gates on the end line. Students learn to move the ball side to side to attack whichever gate the defense leaves open.

How to play

1. Explain and play a first free 4v4 on 20 × 15 m fields (5 min).
2. Pause with questions: which gate should you attack? How do you get one to open up? (3 min).
3. Game with a new rule: the gate you just scored through is closed on your next attack (6 min).
4. Defensive pause: can you cover all three gates at once? What do you do then? (3 min).
5. Final game: the middle gate is worth one point and the side gates two (6 min).
6. Wrap-up: in which sports do you switch the ball to attack the other side? (2 min).

Rules

• You score by catching a pass while crossing a gate; no walking with the ball.
• Defenders may not park inside a gate.
• No contact: you steal only by intercepting passes.
• Keep three meters between fields; nobody chases a ball into another field.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: a ball with a bell inside a bag, and teammates call their name when passing.
• Limited mobility: plays as a passer on one sideline of their field and may pass to any teammate.
• Less skilled students: their goals count double so the team looks for them.

Learning goals

• Move the ball side to side to unsettle the defense.
• Attack the space the defense leaves open.
• Organize the defense when you can't cover everything.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 24
• pinnies: 16
• foam balls: 4

Teacher tip

With 28 students you get three 4v4 fields and four subs who rotate in after each goal. Typical mistake: everyone attacks the middle gate; the closed-gate rule fixes it on its own.

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