Ultimate Red Zone Offense
Ultimate offensive scenarios that start 10 m from the end zone, where space is tight and the offense needs crossing cuts and short throws to score. Students work on decision-making in tight spaces, patience, and end zone defense.
How to play
- Mark an 8 x 20 m end zone and a starting line 10 m (11 yd) out with cones; make groups of 5 on offense and 5 on defense, two groups per field (2 min).
- Explanation: the offense lines up horizontally at the front of the end zone; one player cuts deep while another crosses underneath the other way to open space (3 min).
- 5-on-3 with no stall count: the offense gets 4 possessions to score with crossing cuts; then switch roles (5 min).
- 5-on-5 with a stall count to 8: each possession starts at the 10 m line; if the defense gets the disc, it plays out to midfield (10 min).
- Scoring: 1 point per goal; the defense earns 1 point per turnover. Finish with each group discussing which cut created the most space (2 min).
Rules
- No running with the disc, and the marker counts from one arm's length away.
- The receiver must have at least one foot in the end zone to score.
- No contact on cuts: if two players head to the same space, they pull up.
- Players call their own fouls, and the point is replayed if there is a disagreement.
Variations
Easier
Play 5-on-3 and extend the stall count to 10.
Standard
5-on-5 from the 10 m line with a stall count to 8.
Harder
The offense has only 4 passes to score from the 10 m line.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: play as a fixed thrower at the 10 m line without a direct marker.
- Visual impairment: use a high-contrast disc and call out the receiver's name.
- Fitness level: cuts at a jog, with rest during role changes.
Learning goals
- Make quick passing decisions in a tight space.
- Coordinate crossing cuts to create space in the end zone.
- Defend the end zone by taking away the main cuts.
Equipment for a class of 25
- Flying discs: 4
- cones: 20
- pinnies: 12
Teacher tip
Offensive players tend to clog the end zone; require them to clear out after every unsuccessful cut. Set the two groups back to back so discs don't cross.
PatioLab has "Ultimate Red Zone Offense" and 2499 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for High School
1-2-3-2-1 Running Pyramid Intervals
An interval workout where the fast segments build from 1 to 3 minutes and back down, with half that time as jogging recovery.
1-on-1 Self-Pass Volleyball
One-on-one games on narrow 10 x 20 foot courts where each player must self-pass before sending the ball over.
10-20-30 interval running in pairs
The 10-20-30 method strings together 30 seconds of easy jogging, 20 at a moderate pace and 10 at top speed, in five-minute blocks.
1v1 Ball Volley Matches
1v1 ball volley: singles games on a small court with a low net, hitting the ball over the net and allowing one bounce.
2-on-1 Fast Break with a Chasing Defender
Two attackers push a fast break against a defender waiting at the basket while a second defender chases from behind with a few yards' head start against them.
2-on-1 Through Three Defensive Zones
Pairs of attackers cross the court through three zones, each with a defender who cannot leave it, and finish with a shot on goal.