4-on-4 Mini Volleyball with Side-Out Rotation

A 4-on-4 mini volleyball game using the rotation rule: when a team wins back the serve, everyone rotates one spot and the player arriving at the serving spot serves. It works on three-contact play, the underhand serve and following the rules.

How to play

1. Set up 3 courts of 12 x 6 m with the net at 2.10 m. Make 6 teams of 4 plus a scorekeeper; each team lines up in a square, two at the net and two in back (3 min).
2. Demonstrate the rotation (2 min): on a side-out, all four rotate one spot clockwise, and the player who ends up in the right back spot serves.
3. Underhand serve from the back line, or from 2 m inside if needed. Three contacts per team, no player touching twice in a row.
4. Rally scoring: every play earns a point. Games go to 15 points or 7 minutes; then winners move one court one way and losers the other way, and the scorekeeper swaps with a player from the losing team.
5. Play three games (20 min). At the end, each team checks that every player served at least once.

Rules

• Nobody touches the net or goes under it while the ball is in play.
• In the first games, the first contact on serve receive may be caught.
• Call 'mine' before playing the ball to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: always plays a front spot without rotating and serves from inside the court.
• Deaf or hard of hearing: the scorekeeper signals rotation by circling a finger and points by raising an arm.
• Mixed ability: mix skill levels on each team and, if needed, use a larger foam ball.

Learning goals

• Apply the rotation rule on a side-out.
• Organize three-contact play among four players.
• Respect the rules and the scorekeeper's calls.

Equipment for a class of 25

• net: 3
• light balls: 6
• cones: 24

Teacher tip

Rotation is confusing at first, so place a cone at the serving spot so whoever arrives knows it is their turn. Use light mini volleyballs that do not sting the forearms.

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