Teamwork Minor Game | Number Ball

Need a simple minor game focused on students working with members of their class that they don’t usually choose too work with? Need a game that can serve as a great ice breaker for students and also breaks down barriers between the class members? Number-Ball is the perfect go to game to encourage your class to bond together as teammates whilst enabling them to work a wide range of peers over and over again in a fast paced exciting game! Number ball is a minor game but is also a great activity to use in any invasion games unit.

The fundamental rules to this game can be used for almost any sport or invasion game (basketball, netball, soccer, rugby…) as it reduces game complexity for students and allows them to engage in the game at their own level, whilst still finding moments of success. This is a valuable game in any unit of work and a great way to start meaningful discussions about how to work effectively as a team and how we can work to the strengths of each individual our team!

What Do You Need?

Basketball court
Basketball

What Is The Goal Of The Game?

How to get more points than the other team
To work together with a range of teammates in a variety of situations

How Do You Play The Game?

Split your class into two even teams (if possible)
Each team is asked to line up on the sideline in a line, on the opposing sides
Each player is then given a number usually 1-10 depending on the number of students you have (If you have uneven numbers one student gets two different numbers)
Players need to remember their own individual number as it is critical for the game
At the beginning of the round, the coach will call out random numbers from 1-10, a coach may call out only two numbers (for example 2 and 3) and then the coach will throw the ball in the air.
When the ball hits the ground the number 2 and 3 players from each side will then run onto the court and play each other in a game of basketball. Whichever team scores first will get a point for their whole team.
Once a score is made the players return to the sideline and a new round starts.
The teacher can call as many different numbers as they wish, creating games of 1v1 all the way to 10v10 if desired.
Depending on the numbers that are called, each student will need to work with a random team member for each round.
The team at the end of the lesson with the highest total score wins!

Key Rule’s:

Every student in the team needs to touch the ball once before a score is attempted, if a score is made and not everyone on the team has touched the ball once, then it is a no-score.
Students don’t need to do their ‘touches’ again if they lose possession.
If the numbers of students on the court exceed 5v5 then a win is considered 2 points rather than just 1

How Can You Modify It?

Make it Easier!

Only call out a few students at a time
Not everyone has to touch the ball before a score
Only one defender on the ball at a time
Only make it half court basketball

Make it Harder!

Each team has to score twice to end the round
The team that scores stays in for the next round
Make it full court basketball

What Are The Main Skills Being Utilised?

Fundamental Movement Skills:

Locomotor- run, jump, dodge, lunge, side step, leap
Stability- turning, balance, stopping, bending, stretching

Tactical Skills:

Scanning the field of play to make decisions
Looking for gaps on the field to avoid being tagged
Working together defensively
Cooperative play, supporting teammates
Following rules and structures of a game
Critical thinking through decision-making

What Does The Evidence Say About Minor/ Modified Games?

**Inclusivity and Accessibility: **Modified games ensure that all students can participate, promoting inclusivity and reducing feelings of exclusion. Research highlights that inclusive physical activities enhance social interactions and improve students’ well-being (Sherrill, 2004).
Skill Development: By adapting games, students can focus on skill development rather than competition. This helps build confidence and improve skills at their own pace. Studies show that such environments encourage mastery and personal growth, increasing engagement in physical education (Rink, 2010).
Enhanced Learning and Fun: Modified games often incorporate creative elements, making learning enjoyable. This helps students apply concepts from other subjects in a fun context, improving retention and fostering a positive attitude towards physical activity (Hastie & Siedentop, 1999).

Sources:

Hastie, P. A., & Siedentop, D. (1999). Analyzing Physical Education and Sport Instruction. Human Kinetics.
Rink, J. E. (2010). Teaching Physical Education for Learning. McGraw-Hill.
Sherrill, C. (2004). Adapted Physical Activity, Recreation, and Sport: Crossdisciplinary and Lifespan. McGraw-Hill.