State Standard: 1, 3, 4

(Students must know that for a first down, the ball must be moved 10 yards)

Draw out a football field on poster board to keep track of positions of ball.  Students pair up for 1 vs. 1 (or 2 vs. 2) games.  One team will be on defense while the other team is on offense.  The team on offense will roll the dice first and try to move the ball across opposite goal line according to the number rolled.  Play begins on the 20 yard line.  Players on one team take turns rolling the dice.  The number rolled determines how far the player may advance his/her marker:  (I use mini m & m’s for markers)

Every time the marker moves 10 yards, the team gets a first down.  Each team continues until one team scores or loses the ball.  Could have the teams get 4 tries ‘rolls’  to make a first down (move 10 yards), if they don’t the other team gets the “ball” at their 20 yard line. Or, alternate rolls, have each start at the 20 yard line, and alternate turns, if you get an interception or fumble, move back to your 20.

Have students keep track of stats such as how many total yards their team moves, turnovers, and points.  Have students watch a football game and record how many plays and first downs happen in one quarter, etc.