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Physical Education

Keep Away

Overview

One team tries to keep the ball away from the other team by passing and moving.

Learning Objective
Students develop passing, movement, and awareness in a team possession game.

Resources needed

  • Ball or tied cloth ball
  • Marked playing area

Lesson stages

0 / 7 done
  1. 1 Divide into two teams in a marked area.
  2. 2 One team has the ball and tries to keep possession.
  3. 3 Pass the ball between teammates — no running with the ball.
  4. 4 The other team tries to intercept.
  5. 5 Count consecutive passes — try to beat 10.
  6. 6 If intercepted, teams swap roles.
  7. 7 Discuss: where should you move to receive a pass?

Tap a step to mark it as done.

Variations

  • Allow two steps with the ball.
  • Three touches maximum before passing.
  • Add a neutral player who always plays with the team in possession.
More information

Teach: pass, receive, move, space, intercept. Demonstrate moving into space to receive — this is the key tactical idea.

Use a larger ball or allow more steps for less experienced students.

Are students moving to create passing options? Do they look up before passing rather than just passing randomly?

A tied cloth ball works perfectly. Mark the area with stones. No cones or posts needed.

Students stand still waiting for the ball. Teach them to move into space — moving creates the passing option.

Keep away develops the core tactical skills used in football, basketball, netball, and rugby.

Activity details
Primary Medium 20–25 minutes no prep Small Group, Whole Class Outdoor
Topics
Teamwork Passing Movement