Three-Team Continuous Team Handball

Three teams rotate between attack and defense with no breaks: the defending team that wins the ball breaks immediately toward the team waiting at the other goal. Students work on quick transitions, the fast break, and getting back on defense.

How to play

1. Three teams of seven or eight in colored pinnies, plus two goalies who switch out every 5 minutes. Five per team are on the court, and the rest sub in on each new possession.
2. Team A attacks Team B at goal 1; Team C waits on defense at goal 2 in its half.
3. When B wins the ball (steal, save, or after a goal), it breaks toward goal 2 against C, while A stays at goal 1 and waits.
4. When C wins the ball, it attacks toward goal 1 against A, and so on nonstop. Each goal is 1 point for the scoring team.
5. Play three 5-minute blocks with 1-minute breaks to grab water and talk about which team ran the best fast break.

Rules

• The waiting team may not cross half court until the attack arrives.
• Usual school rules on steps, double dribble, and the goal area apply.
• Safety: the goalie facing the attack must be in the goal before anyone shoots.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays goalie or a fixed outlet passer at half court.
• Autism: show the three teams' path on a whiteboard before starting.
• Fitness level: subs every possession let anyone who needs a break rest.

Learning goals

• Switch quickly from defense to attack after winning the ball.
• Organize getting back on defense when the break comes.
• Keep up the intensity while working with the team.

Equipment for a class of 25

• team handballs: 2
• colored pinnies: 23
• goals: 2

Teacher tip

Teams get lost at first, so walk everyone through the rotation once before playing. Manage the effort with the breaks, because this activity is very intense.

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