Indiaca 3v3 Net Game
A 3v3 game of indiaca, a net sport from South America played by striking a large feathered shuttle with the palm. Students practice open-hand striking, cooperating within three contacts, and learn about an alternative net sport.
How to play
- Set up four courts about 20 × 20 ft per side with the net at 6.5 ft; make eight teams of 3 with pinnies, two teams per court, and rotate any extra student as referee.
- For 4 minutes, in groups of three with no net, students pass the indiaca by striking it from below with an open palm, aiming for 10 passes in a row.
- Explain the adapted rules: underhand serve with the palm, three contacts per team maximum, no player touches it twice in a row, and the indiaca can't touch the floor.
- For 12 minutes, play two 6-minute games; a point is won when the indiaca lands on the other side or the other team hits it out.
- After each game, teams switch courts to face new opponents.
- Finish with a 4-minute cooperative challenge: both teams on each court try for 20 passes in a row over the net together, then discuss which strike gives the most control.
Rules
- Strike the indiaca with one open hand, never catch or throw it.
- Don't touch the net or reach into the other court.
- Call 'mine' before striking so you don't collide with teammates.
Variations
Easier
Allow striking with two hands together and give teams one extra contact.
Standard
3v3 with a maximum of three contacts and an underhand serve.
Harder
The third contact must be a downward strike, and serves must be made with the non-dominant hand.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: lower the net to 5 ft on that court and let the student play seated near the net.
- Autism or shyness: introduce the indiaca with a short video and a demonstration before the game.
- Lower skill level: play with balloons inside a sock so the flight is slower.
Learning goals
- Strike the indiaca with the palm, controlling direction and height.
- Work with teammates to build the rally in three contacts.
- Learn an alternative net sport and its basic rules.
Equipment for a class of 25
- indiacas: 8
- net: 4
- cones: 16
- pinnies: 24
Teacher tip
Indiacas are light but can jam fingers if struck with the fingertips, so stress the palm. It's a great bridge to volleyball for students who are afraid of the ball.
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