Two-Speed League: Running Field and Walking Field

Two games at once, one regular soccer and one walking soccer, and each student picks a field every round. It respects everyone's motivation and breaks the idea that there's only one way to play.

How to play

1. Set up two 30 x 20 m fields with a 3 m gap; one marked with red cones (running), the other with blue cones (walking) (3 min).
2. Explain: everyone chooses a field; the teacher builds balanced teams within each field (4 min).
3. Round 1: 8 minutes of play on both fields (8 min).
4. Free switch: anyone can change fields; rebuild teams (3 min).
5. Round 2: 8 minutes of play (8 min).
6. Quick debrief: why did you pick that field? Would you switch? (4 min).

Rules

• Nobody comments on or judges anyone's field choice.
• Walking field: one foot always on the ground and ball below the waist.
• Running field: no slide tackles or contact.
• If a ball rolls onto the other field, hand it back.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: plays on the walking field with a personal receiving zone.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: round changes are signaled with a raised card as well as the whistle.
• Social anxiety: may referee the walking field for a round.

Learning goals

• Choose play intensity based on one's own motivation and condition.
• Adjust decisions to the game's pace.
• Respect different ways of playing sport.

Equipment for a class of 25

• soccer balls: 2
• pinnies: 24
• cones: 24
• small goals: 8

Teacher tip

If the walking field empties, join it yourself to give it status. Balance teams by level within each field, not between fields.

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