Vertical or Horizontal: The Team Chooses and Measures

Short tactical project in which each team plays the same number of minutes with a vertical stack and with a horizontal stack while two analysts record completions, turnovers and points. Using the data, the team decides which system suits it and presents its case to the class.

How to play

1. Visual review of both stacks with cones: vertical in a single central line and horizontal in a line of three or four players across the field (4 min).
2. Four teams of six or seven; in each 5v5 game, players not on the field act as analysts with a sheet or tablet (2 min).
3. First 8-minute block with a required vertical stack; analysts count completions, turnovers and points (8 min).
4. Second 8-minute block with a required horizontal stack and the same tracking (8 min).
5. Each team calculates its completion percentage for each system and prepares a 30-second conclusion (6 min).
6. Quick presentation by each team and a decision: which stack they would open the next game with (7 min).

Rules

• Analysts stand outside the sidelines, more than 10 feet from the field.
• Play is non-contact: disputes are settled with self-refereeing rules.
• Every player rotates through the analyst role at least once.
• The conclusion must be backed by the data collected, not opinions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Lower-limb injury: serves as lead analyst and team spokesperson for the presentation.
• Autism: gets one single stat to track, with a very clear tally sheet.
• Hearing impairment: block changes are signaled by raising a colored cone in addition to the whistle.

Learning goals

• Compare two offensive systems using performance data.
• Make well-founded team tactical decisions.
• Communicate conclusions clearly and respectfully.

Equipment for a class of 25

• flying discs: 4
• cones: 20
• pinnies: 14
• tablets or phones: 2
• worksheets: 4

Teacher tip

With less experienced groups, the horizontal stack often produces worse numbers at first: explain that practice also plays a role. A shared spreadsheet makes it easy to pool everyone's data.

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