Bench Ball
A possession game played as part of our Tuesday Indoor Multi-Sport sessions at Docklands and Carpenters Centre, Stratford. Ages 8–11, all abilities welcome.
When
Tuesdays 4:00–5:00 PM, as part of our Indoor Multi-Sport session. Booking recommended as spaces are limited.
Where
Indoor at Docklands and Carpenters Centre, Stratford. Warm, indoors and fully equipped.
Who it's for
Open to all registered members aged 8–11. Completely free. Refreshments available at every session. No experience required.
Equipment
- Bench ball / ball
- Pinnies (for invasion games)
- Benches
Tactical Focus
Description
How we play
- •Split into two even teams. One player from each team starts standing on a bench.
- •The team in possession must pass to their player on the bench to score. If that player catches the ball and stays on the bench, a point is scored.
- •The player who made the scoring pass swaps in and replaces their teammate on the bench.
- •Possession then switches to the opposing team.
- •Defensive pressure stays "warm", light-touch only.
Change it!
Modifications
Change it: Down
Give both teams a ball and make the game non-competitive. Teams can no longer try to dispossess each other. Instead, they try to complete a set number of passes, without the ball touching the ground, before passing to their bench player.
Change it
Players must stay still while in possession of the ball. Once a team scores, they add a second player to the bench, reducing their own outfield numbers.
Up
Add a change of possession any time the ball hits the ground.
Change it: Up
Allow players to move while in possession. Remove the benches and create an end zone with a catching player standing inside it instead.
How we track progress
Assessment
Emerging
Player rarely gets possession of the ball, and when they do, makes inappropriate decisions about what to do with it.
Developing
Player sometimes gets possession and passes to a teammate, but that teammate is often still marked.
Competent
Player frequently gets possession and, when in possession, is able to make appropriate decisions about what to do with it.
Proficient
Player consistently has possession, shows excellent decision-making, and is involved in all effective scoring and defensive plays.
Reflect
Questions we ask
- How did you choose who was going to stand on the bench at the start of the game? Why?
- What strategies did your team use to attack and defend?
- How did the game change when the person on the bench changed?
- What happened to your team's strategy when you had fewer outfield players?
Tuesdays · Docklands / Carpenters Centre
Bench Ball (Indoor Multi-Sport)
Bookings open soon
Indoor Multi-Sport starts the first Tuesday of September 2026. Check back then to book your spot.
Ready for bench ball?
Indoor sessions at Docklands & Carpenters Centre, Stratford, every Tuesday. Free for all registered members aged 8–11. If it is your first time, you do not need to sign up separately, booking your spot below takes your details too.