Newcomb to Volleyball Progression

A 6v6 game that starts as throwing and catching over the net and, phase by phase, replaces catches with real volleyball contacts. Students learn the logic of net games, how to cover space, and the skill progression without stopping the game.

How to play

1. Set up two courts about 30 × 30 ft overall with the net at 7 ft; make four teams of 6 with pinnies and place each team in two rows of three.
2. Phase 1 (5 minutes): play Newcomb, throwing with two hands over the net; the other team catches, may pass to a teammate, and must throw back within 3 seconds.
3. Phase 2 (5 minutes): the first contact must be a forearm pass or set to a teammate, who catches it and throws it over.
4. Phase 3 (6 minutes): only the last contact may be caught and thrown; the first and second are played as volleyball contacts.
5. Phase 4 (5 minutes): real volleyball with no catching, up to three contacts, and an underhand serve.
6. In every phase rallies are worth 1 point and teams rotate one spot when they win back the serve; after phase 4, spend 3 minutes discussing which phase was hardest and why.

Rules

• A caught ball must be thrown within 3 seconds or the point goes to the other team.
• No walking with the ball in your hands.
• Nobody touches the net or crosses the center line.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student may catch in every phase and plays the area near the net.
• Autism: post the current phase on a whiteboard and give a 1-minute warning before each change.
• Lower skill level: each court can stay in a different phase depending on its progress.

Learning goals

• Understand net game logic: send the ball to open space and defend your own court.
• Gradually bring the set and forearm pass into real play.
• Cover positions and rotate in an organized way.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyball: 2
• net: 2
• cones: 8
• pinnies: 24

Teacher tip

Newcomb is a classic lead-up to volleyball and it works because every student touches the ball. If a court isn't ready to move up a phase, let it stay; teams don't all need to progress at the same pace.

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