Practice Activities: One to Beat | One Layer Two | Distant Layers
Dizzy Miss Lizzy | Triangulation

Back to Contain Theory

Dizzy Miss Lizzy

In this game, two players try to score against a defender and a Keeper (see diagram). By passing repeatedly back and forth, the attackers can make the defender dizzy. By swinging side to side as the ball is passed, however, the defender can effectively contain many scoring chances.

Dizzy Miss Lizzy teaches valuable lessons to the defender, the attacker, and the Keeper. Now the focus is on the defender, who is learning to be the point of a triangle.

Rules for Dizzy Miss Lizzy

Field Setup. The field is set up around one regulation size goal. Extra soccer balls are placed along the side opposite the goal. Each side of the field is about thirty paces long.
Teams. Four players compete, in teams of two. One team defends the goal, providing a Keeper and a defender. The other team attacks. Additional players may rotate into the game.
Object of the Game. Each team gets ten tries to score goals. The team with the most goals wins.
How a Try Proceeds. The attacking team brings the first ball into play, and attempts to score. The players may pass as often as they like before shooting. They may dribble in on the Keeper, or shoot from further out. The offside rule is not in effect.
The defending team tries to prevent a goal, by knocking the ball out of bounds, stealing it, or making a save. The Keeper may stay in the goal, or charge out of the goal. A shot that is blocked or punched away is still in play.
How the Game Proceeds. When the first try ends, the attacking team immediately brings in the second ball. After the fifth try, the defender and Keeper may switch roles. After the last try, the two teams switch roles.

Can one defender really prevent two attackers from scoring, by swinging side to side as the ball is passed? That's a fundamental assumption of triangle theory. Why not use the game and find out for yourself?