Old-School Side-Out Scoring Volleyball

A 4-on-4 game using old side-out scoring: only the serving team can score, and the receiving team must first win back the serve. Students learn the value of serving and passing and analyze how tactics change with the scoring system.

How to play

1. Set up 6 teams of 4 on three courts of 30 x 20 ft; each team wears one pinnie color (2 min).
2. First 6-min game with rally scoring: every rally gives a point to the team that wins it (6 min).
3. Second 8-min game with side-out scoring: if the receiving team wins the rally, it scores nothing, it just wins the serve and rotates (8 min).
4. Each team records how many points it scored and how many rallies each game took; then teams switch opponents (5 min).
5. Class discussion: in which system did you take more risks on the serve? Which mattered more, passing well or serving tough? (4 min).

Rules

• The serving team calls the score out loud before every serve.
• The first contact may be caught if the group needs it, but the second and third must be sets or bumps.
• No one goes under the net during a rally.
• If a point is disputed, replay it.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: play front row on a smaller court or be the scorekeeper for rallies and points.
• Autism: write the two scoring rules on a whiteboard and point to the one in use.
• Lower fitness level: teams of 5 with a sub in at every rotation.

Learning goals

• Compare two scoring systems and their effect on play.
• Recognize passing as the first step to winning back the serve.
• Adjust serving risk to the rule in use.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 3
• nets: 3
• pinnies: 24

Teacher tip

Have a whiteboard ready with results for the discussion; the difference in game length surprises students and sparks a good debate. Remind them that today's game uses rally scoring.

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