Throw-Head-Catch Team Game

An invasion game with a soft ball where teams move upfield by always following the sequence throw, head to a teammate, and catch; goals count only off a header. Students practice heading in real game play, getting open, and teamwork.

How to play

1. Four teams of 6 or 7 in pinnies on two 30 x 20 yd fields with a small goal at each end and no goalkeeper.
2. Required sequence: one player throws by hand, a teammate heads it to a third player, and that player catches; whoever catches throws next.
3. If the sequence breaks (the ball drops or a step repeats), the other team takes over from that spot. Defenders can only win the ball by catching it in the air.
4. Only headers count as goals; after a goal, the team that was scored on restarts from its own goal.
5. Play two 8-minute halves with 2 minutes of rest, switching opponents for the second half.

Rules

• No walking with the ball in your hands: throw within 3 seconds.
• No contact: guard from an arm's length away and never grab the ball out of someone's hands.
• Nobody enters the 3-yard area around the goal.
• Only head soft tosses released below the shoulder.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student plays in a 3-yard free zone along the sideline where nobody guards them.
• Hearing impairment: agree on hand signals for change of possession and goal, used along with the whistle.
• Lower skill level: the student may use a chest bump instead of a header, except when scoring.

Learning goals

• Use soft-ball heading in a real game situation.
• Move into open space to keep the sequence going.
• Work with the team while following the no-contact rule.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soft balls: 3
• pinnies (four colors): 25
• small goals: 4
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

This is the game version of the heading progression and shows whether technique holds up under pressure. If someone throws hard for a header, switch possession and restate the rule.

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