Forearm Passing to Target Zones
In groups of three, one student tosses the ball and another forearm passes it toward a teammate standing in a hoop. Students build a solid passing platform, bend their knees, and learn to direct the pass to the setter's target area.
How to play
- Make groups of 3: tosser, passer, and target; the tosser stands 13 ft from the passer and the target stands in a hoop 10 ft to the passer's side.
- For 3 minutes, without moving, the passer works on the platform: hands together, elbows locked, knees bent, and passes the ball back to the tosser.
- For 6 minutes, the tosser sends two-handed overhead tosses and the passer directs each pass to the target in the hoop; rotate roles every 8 tosses.
- Scoring: 2 points if the target catches the ball without leaving the hoop, 1 point if they step out to catch it, 0 if they can't reach it.
- For 6 minutes, the tosser sends the ball to the left or right so the passer must shuffle sideways before passing.
- Finish with 3 minutes: each group adds up its points and discusses which body part aims the pass.
Rules
- Tosses must be high and catchable, above the passer's head.
- Contact the ball with the forearms, never with the hands or closed fists.
- All groups face the same direction so balls don't cross between groups.
Variations
Easier
Shorten the toss to 10 ft and allow the ball to bounce once before the pass.
Standard
High toss from 13 ft with the pass directed to a hoop 10 ft away.
Harder
The tosser serves underhand from 20 ft and the hoop moves out to 13 ft.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student passes from a seated position or wheelchair with a foam ball, and the tosser always sends it to the middle.
- Visual impairment: use a brightly colored ball and have the tosser call out right before releasing it.
- Lower fitness: add a 30-second break after each rotation and shorten the distances.
Learning goals
- Form a stable forearm platform with bent knees.
- Direct the pass to a specific area by angling the shoulders and platform.
- Shuffle sideways to get behind the ball before contact.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyball: 9
- hoops: 9
- cones: 18
Teacher tip
Stress that the arms don't swing; the ball is aimed with the legs and the platform angle. Set all groups in parallel lines so you can see every student at a glance.
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