Adapted Volleyball
A simplified volleyball game with a soft foam ball where students may catch and toss the ball before learning to hit it, keeping rallies going over the net. It develops striking, teamwork, and court positioning without the fear of a hard ball.
How to play
- Set up 2 courts of about 9 x 6 m with a net at 2 m height, and make 4 teams of 6–7.
- Warm up in pairs: toss and catch over the net, then one partner tosses and the other bumps or sets the ball back (5 minutes).
- Explain the rules: serve underhand from the back line; each team can use up to 3 touches before sending the ball over (2 minutes).
- Play with the catch rule: the first player may catch and toss to a teammate, who must hit it over.
- A point is scored when the ball lands in the other court or the opponent sends it out; rotate positions clockwise when you win the serve.
- Play 2 games of 6 minutes, changing opponents in between (12 minutes), then 3 minutes of review and putting away equipment.
Rules
- Serve underhand from behind the back line.
- No touching the net or crossing under it.
- Call 'mine' before playing the ball to avoid collisions.
- Rotate positions so everyone serves.
Variations
Easier
Allow every player to catch and throw, and lower the net to 1.8 m.
Standard
Allow one catch per side, with the rest of touches as hits.
Harder
Play without catching and require three touches before sending the ball over.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: let the student play from a seated position in a fixed spot near the net, with a bounce allowed.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored or larger ball and allow one bounce before playing it.
- Lower skill: allow serving from closer to the net or tossing the serve over.
Learning goals
- Strike a ball with the forearms and fingertips in a controlled way.
- Cooperate with teammates using up to three touches.
- Understand basic positions and rotations on the court.
Equipment for a class of 25
- foam volleyballs: 13
- nets: 2
Teacher tip
Foam balls make students much less afraid of the ball; switch to light volleyballs only once they have control. Keep matches short so teams rotate often.
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