What are goal-type games?
In a goal-type game (also called an invasion game) two teams share one pitch. Each team tries to score in the opponent's goal or basket and protect its own. The ball must be passed, carried or moved towards the goal.
Examples: football (soccer), hockey, basketball, handball, netball, rugby, ultimate frisbee.
Each player has two roles in turn: attacker when your team has the ball, defender when it does not. The moment the ball changes team, everybody switches role. This is called a transition.
Ball handling skills
- Passing: send the ball to a teammate. Look first, pass to where the player is going (not where they were).
- Receiving: stop or control the ball with the foot, stick or hands, then keep your head up.
- Dribbling: moving with the ball close to you so you can change direction fast.
- Shooting: aiming at the part of the goal the goalkeeper cannot cover.
Keep the ball under control first. A fast but wild pass goes to the opponent.
Moving without the ball
In a match you touch the ball for only a few minutes. The rest of the time you are without the ball, and that is where games are won.
- Run into space: go to the empty area so a teammate can pass to you.
- Show for the ball: move away from your marker, then back to the ball.
- Support: stay close enough to give the ball carrier a short pass.
- Decoy run: run to pull a defender away so a teammate gets space.
Team attack, defence and using space
Attack works best when the team is wide and deep: players spread across the width and length of the pitch. Defenders cannot cover everyone, so a gap opens. This is creating space; passing into the gap is using space.
Numbers matter. With 3 attackers against 2 defenders, one attacker is free. The ball carrier should pass to the free player.
Defence works best when the team is compact and organised:
- Marking: each defender stays near one attacker.
- Blocking the lane: stand in the line between the passer and the receiver.
- Covering: a second defender stands behind the first to help.
- Pressing: close down the ball carrier quickly so they have little time.
Fair play: no pushing, tripping or holding; follow the referee.
Try it: the 3 v 2 game
- Mark a small square on the ground (10 m by 10 m). Make a small goal at one end.
- Play 3 attackers against 2 defenders. Attackers must pass at least twice before shooting.
- Count how often the free attacker gets the ball. Then play 2 v 2 and compare.
- In the 3D above, use the slider to add attackers and watch the number of free players change.
Key formulas and definitions
- Free attackers = attackers − defenders (when attackers are more)
- P-R-S: Pass, Run into space, Spread to create space
- Attack: wide and deep. Defence: compact and organised
- Marking, blocking the lane, covering and pressing are defence skills
- Transition: when the ball changes team, attackers become defenders
Worked examples
1. Your team attacks with 4 players against 2 defenders. How many attackers are free, and what should the ball carrier do?
Free attackers = 4 − 2 = 2. The ball carrier should pass to a free teammate who is in open space and has a clear lane.
2. You are in the middle and a defender stands close to you. How can you get the ball without it being intercepted?
Move away from the defender into space, then call or show for the ball with a sharp change of direction. This is moving without the ball. The passer sends it to the space you are moving into.
3. Why does spreading wide help the attackers?
Defenders must stay near the ball and the goal. If attackers stand wide, defenders must cover more ground and a gap opens between them. A pass into that gap can lead to a shot.
Common mistakes
- Standing still while waiting for the ball. Keep moving into space.
- Everyone running to the ball. This crowds one area and leaves the rest of the pitch empty.
- Passing to where the teammate was, not where they are going.
- Defenders chasing the ball only. Mark a player and block the lane as a team.