Spacing and Force

Tactical problem: spacing

Fukahara

I have explained this game in one of the previous blogs, however this is a good one to consider when faced with the tactical problem of how to I create an open space between me and my target.

Fukahara is usually set up in the volleyball court. It is played with 12 players 6 on each side and the aim is for you to use your hands to push the ball past the 3m line and out the back or sideline of the other teams court. Like volleyball the game begins with a serve then the receiving team must touch the ball 3 times before they can take a shot to score. This game is a timed game or it can be a capped game. The children will be required to move once they are in the off the ball position, to create some space between them and the target. Once the ball is passedafter the second touch the player must strike the ball into the opposing team’s goal.

This diagram represents the set up to be used for Fukahara. The blue and orange dots are the players, the purople is the ball. And the green lines are the possible passing locations and goal scoring options.

Freeze Basketball

Freeze basketball is a modified game of basketball that is focused on establishing clear space (no defender) between the player in possession of the ball and the ring. This would best be played 5 on 5. The children basically run around the half of the basketball court one side is offensive, the other is defensive. The offensive side most try remain in possession of the ball while the defensive side is to try and steal it. However shots must only be thrown once the teacher yells FREEZE. This means that all players freeze right where they are (including the defence). The player in possession of the ball must only shoot if they have no defender between them and the ring to score a point. Once the shot is attempted then the game resumes. If the teacher varies the time between freezing, this will be really efficient in terms of the speed that each team can find an open space to shoot from.

For some simple basic basketball rules here is a link you can view:

The following 2 games address the issue of force. For example how much force do I need to hit a desired target?

Coconut   shy

 Three cones are placed opposite each pair of players with a ball balanced

 on the top of each one (the coconut shy). To win the game the players must knock all three balls off the cones within two minutes.To do this the first player passes the ball towards the balls balanced on the

 cones. 

Hit or miss the player must then run out to get the ball back to their partner

 as quickly as possible (running with the ball or passing).Players have two minutes to try and knock all three balls off the cones.

 Possible changes:

 Could have teams of three with a larger group.

 Play again but if a pair/group was successful then move the cones a bit

 further away to make it harder.

Benchball

Set up the gym with a bench at each end, and a row of cones/markers down middle to divide the space into two halves. You will also need a large soft ball for the children to throw.

Divide the class into two teams and give one team armbands or bibs. Team 1 should be in one half of the court, team 2 in the other. 
Both teams choose a goalie, who stands on the bench in the opposition's half of the court. 
The idea of the game is for players to throw the ball to their goalie without it being caught by the other team. As teams score goals, the scoring player joins the goalie on the bench. Children pass the ball between themselves until someone decides to shoot.

Once children have the idea, introduce rules such as 
- team 1 get a free pass if team 2 throw/catch the ball outside the tram lines (if playing on a tennis court) 
- If a player has the ball they cannot move their feet apart from to change direction 
- A goal is only valid if the goalie catches the ball when on the bench (not whilst falling off!)

This game is one of those games where children will be learning the skill of force, and establishing how much force is needed to pass the ball to a team matte vs the force needed to score.

It is important to menation to the class that there are a few safety rules such as no running on benches and no throwing bullets!