Where Do I Stand? A Walking Positioning Puzzle

The teacher places a ball somewhere on the court and describes a situation; each group walks to the positions they think are right and holds a stretch while it's checked. Students cool down while reviewing where to stand on offense and defense.

How to play

1. Explain: groups of five in pinnies, split into attackers and defenders according to each situation (1 min).
2. Three attacking puzzles, for example "you're attacking 3v2 with the ball on the sideline": groups walk to their spots and hold a leg stretch while the teacher checks (3 min).
3. Two defending puzzles, for example "you're playing zone with the ball in the middle", holding a trunk and shoulder stretch in position (2 min).
4. Final question while walking: what rule helped you get into position almost every time? (2 min).

Rules

• Walk to your position.
• Hold the stretch with no bouncing and short of pain.
• Each group explains its setup if the teacher asks.
• No correcting other groups until the teacher opens the floor.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: decides the group's positioning, and the stretch targets whatever body area they can work.
• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the situation is also sketched on a whiteboard or shown with gestures.
• Hesitant students: the group decides together first, and nobody has to explain alone.

Learning goals

• Recall basic offensive and defensive positions.
• Apply tactical principles to specific situations.
• Bring arousal down after effort.

Equipment for a class of 25

• foam balls: 1
• pinnies: 15

Teacher tip

Have the five situations ready on a card. Typical mistake: everyone stands right next to the ball; have them stretch out their arms to check the spacing between teammates.

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