Double Balloon Volleyball
Balloon volleyball on a court split by a rope with two balloons in play at the same time. Students practice setting with a slow object while splitting their attention and organizing as a team so neither balloon hits the floor.
How to play
- Stretch a long rope 1.8 m high across the gym and use cones to mark three 6 x 6 m courts on each side. Make 6 teams of 4 plus a scorekeeper: three 4-on-4 games (2 min).
- Review the set (2 min): hands above the forehead, fingers spread, push up. On the whistle, each team serves a balloon from its back line.
- Each balloon allows up to three contacts per team, with no player touching twice in a row. A point is scored when a balloon touches the opponent's floor; that team serves it again right away while the other balloon stays in play.
- Play three 3-minute games; between games, teams rotate courts and opponents, and the scorekeeper changes.
- Wrap-up (2 min): ask what each team did to handle two balloons (splitting zones, calling 'mine').
Rules
- Play the balloon with your hands above your head, never with a fist.
- Nobody goes under the rope or onto the other side.
- Call 'mine' before playing it to avoid collisions.
- If a balloon pops, stop and the teacher hands out a new one.
Variations
Easier
Start with just one balloon and allow one catch per team.
Standard
Two balloons at once, three contacts per team, point when a balloon lands on the other side.
Harder
Play one balloon and one light ball at the same time, each with its own speed.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: plays by the rope, which drops to 1.5 m on their side, and may touch twice in a row.
- Deaf or hard of hearing: signal serves and the end of each game by raising a colored balloon or with agreed gestures.
- Mixed ability: teams that struggle get a fourth contact, and stronger teams only get two.
Learning goals
- Set the balloon with the fingers above the head.
- Split attention between two objects at once.
- Manage emotions when points come quickly.
Equipment for a class of 25
- balloons: 12
- long rope: 1
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Use two balloon colors, one per serving team, so it is clear who scored. Keep spare inflated balloons handy and pick up popped pieces right away.
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