Cachibol: Mexico's Catch-and-Throw Volleyball

A game of cachibol, a volleyball variation very popular in Mexico where the ball is caught and thrown instead of hit. Students work on teamwork and appreciate a sport you can play for life.

How to play

1. Introduce cachibol: it's played on a volleyball court, but the ball is caught and thrown; people of all ages play it across Mexico (3 min).
2. Trios on one side of the net: catch, pass to a teammate, and throw over the net to the trio across (6 min).
3. 6-on-6 games on two courts: up to three passes per team, and a point if the ball lands in the other court or the other team throws it out (15 min).
4. Variation: the third throw, the one that crosses the net, must be a jump throw (4 min).
5. Debrief: why do older adults enjoy this sport, and which sports could you keep playing as adults? (2 min).

Rules

• Catch the ball with two hands and throw it; don't hit it.
• No steps with the ball: throw from where you caught it.
• Three passes at most per team before sending the ball over.
• Rotate positions each time the team wins back the serve.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with visual impairments: use a ball with a bell and allow one bounce before catching.
• Students who use wheelchairs: play the front zone, and their team may make a fourth pass.
• Students with low volleyball skills: cachibol is a great way in; at first they only need to catch and pass.

Learning goals

• Learn about cachibol and its place in Mexican sports culture.
• Catch and throw accurately in a net game.
• See physical activity as something for life.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 4
• volleyball nets: 2
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

If you only have one net, set up the second court with a rope between posts. The usual mistake is walking with the ball: insist on throwing from where it was caught.

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