Two-Ball Mini Team Handball
A five-on-five mini team handball game with no goalies and two balls in play at the same time. Students have to see the whole court, split up offensive and defensive jobs, and talk constantly, with far more touches per student than in a regular game.
How to play
- Set up two 80 x 50 ft courts with a small goal and a 13-ft goal area at each end; form teams of 5 in pinnies, with two teams per court (3 min).
- Each team starts with one ball on its side, one team handball and one foam ball; both balls are live at the same time.
- Use three steps and one dribble; a goal with either ball is worth 1 point, and the team scored on restarts that ball.
- Nobody enters the goal area: there are no goalies, so defense happens in front of the area.
- Play 4-minute games with a 1-minute break for teams to decide who watches each ball; switch opponents after each game (15 min, 3 games).
- Finish by asking how the team split up jobs so no ball went unguarded (2 min).
Rules
- No holding both balls at once.
- Steal only by intercepting or off the dribble, no grabbing.
- Nobody enters the goal area or stands under the goal.
- Safety: call out "Ball!" when throwing so nobody gets hit by surprise.
Variations
Easier
Use two foam balls and allow walking with the ball.
Standard
Play 5v5 with two balls, three steps, and one dribble.
Harder
Goals only count if both balls are scored within 10 seconds or after three passes.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: shoot from a fixed spot 16 ft out with a ball reserved for that student.
- Hearing impairment: use two balls of very different colors and a visual signal when throwing.
- Fitness level: drop to one ball for groups that need it, or rotate who defends.
Learning goals
- Pay attention to several things at once during play.
- Divide jobs within the team.
- Pass and shoot quickly in changing situations.
Equipment for a class of 25
- team handball: 2
- foam ball: 2
- small goals: 4
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 20
Teacher tip
At first everyone runs to the same ball; stop play and ask who is watching the other one. Use balls in very different colors so they're easy to tell apart.
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