Benchball is an invasion game in which teams score by kicking the ball into the face of their opponent's bench. Students learn to work toward a shared team goal, first without positions and then with assigned roles that depend on each other.
The game is played on a rectangular playing area with one tipped-over gymnasium bench at each end.
Teams try to outscore the other team by kicking the ball so that it hits the face of the opposing team's bench.
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Builds allow you to increase the game's complexity, one layer at a time.
Players from each team take to the court (three per team) and play the full game without any assigned positions.
The focus is on learning how the game works: how to score, how to start and restart play, what counts as a foul, and how the boundaries work.
In this build, each team of four players takes on specific positions. Review each role with students before play begins.
Forwards: The forward's job is to score.
Backs: The back's job is to defend the team's bench.
Middles: The middle's job is to support both the backs and the forwards.
Bench Player: The bench player waits on the sideline, ready to substitute in. Their job is to pay attention to the game, cheer their team on, and be ready when it's their turn.
Rotate positions regularly so that every student gets to experience each role.
Numbered pinnies go a long way in helping students know their position assignments.
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Games that build on the same tactics.
