Hoop Ball

Children running to capture the flag

A team-based invasion game where three teams take turns as attackers, defenders and hoop players. The attacking team attempt to score by passing the ball to a player standing in a hoop. This game can be played with many different invasion sports. 

Children standing in square passing ball.
Set up

Demonstrate the game first with 3 vs 3 vs 3, then separate children into groups of nine and ask them to set up their own playing areas. Each group will need a 10 metre by 15 metre playing area. Place three hoops inside each playing area, evenly spaced apart in a triangle formation. Each group will need a set of cones to create their playing area, three hoops and three bibs (to identify the different teams of 3 vs 3 vs 3 within each group). 

How to play
Step 1:
  • Within each group of nine, divide the players into three teams:
    1. Attacking team
    2. Defending team
    3. Hoop team (one player stands in each of the three hoops) 
Step 2:
  • The attacking team must pass the ball around themselves and score points by passing the ball to a player standing in a hoop. 
  • The defending team tries to intercept or block passes to stop the attackers from scoring.
  • The hoop team remains stationary inside their hoops, ready to receive passes. 
  • If the attacking team scores, roles rotate (attackers become defenders, defenders move to hoops, etc). 
  • If the ball is intercepted, goes out of bounds, or attackers break a rule, roles rotate. 
Step 3: 

Progress and modify the game by... 

  • Reducing the game to two teams (attackers and defenders). Attackers must move into hoops and receive a pass to score points. Players can only remain in a hoop for 3 seconds at a time. 
  • Introduce sport-specific balls and rules (such as soccer or AFL).
  • Adjust the size of the playing area (smaller for more challenge, larger for more space). 

Adapted from ACHPER Victoria Level 5 & 6 Court Invasion Games. 

Variations
Make it easier
  • Increase the number of hoops to make it easier for the attacking team to score
  • Reduce the number of defenders
Make it harder
  • Change the number of players per team (4 vs 4 or 5 vs 5)
  • Decrease the number of hoops to decrease scoring opportunities
Activity information
Age: Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6
Participants: 9 +
Equipment: Balls, Cones, Hoops, Bibs
Duration: 10 minutes
Skill focus
Explore these skills for teaching tips
Attacking Skills (Invasion Games) Defensive Skills (Invasion Games) AFL Skills Hockey/Floorball Skills Rugby Skills Soccer Skills Basketball Skills Netball Skills Ultimate Frisbee Skills
Skill teaching

Play the game first, then ask questions:

  • How can defenders combine to prevent a score by a team in possession. (Need to work towards a common goal – defend the hoops, defend the space/zone or defend the attackers one-on-one).
  • When playing one on one defence, why is it better to defend between your player and the ball? (Makes it easier to intercept the ball when you are in front of your player. If you are behind, you need to get around your player before you can intercept to avoid being called for contact. Quicker to get the ball when you are closer to it). 
Physical literacy tips
  • Have a variety of balls available for children to choose from and encourage children to experiment with different equipment.
  • Allow children to modify the goals/type of equipment used and create new rules for their own modified games.