Paddle Volley-to-Volley at the Low Net
In pairs at a low net, students hit the ball without letting it bounce, using short strokes with the paddle out in front. They move from a cooperative volley challenge to a point game on a very small court, working on quick reactions and control.
How to play
- Stretch a low net or rope about 30 in high across the area and mark 10 x 10 ft boxes with cones on each side; partners face each other about 6 ft from the net (3 min).
- Solo taps: each student volleys the ball gently upward with the paddle, no bounce, first on the forehand face and then alternating faces (3 min).
- Cooperative volley: partners hit the ball back and forth over the net without a bounce, paddle out in front of the chest; they count their best streak (4 min).
- Volley game: serve with a soft underhand stroke, and after that no one may let the ball bounce; win the point by landing the ball in the opponent's box (6 min).
- Games go to 7 points; afterward, rotate one box to the right for a new partner (2 min).
Rules
- No bounces allowed on any shot except the serve.
- Strokes are short, with the paddle never above the shoulder.
- Safety: no smashing at your partner, and stay 6 ft back from the net.
- If the ball leaves the box, the point goes to the opponent.
Variations
Easier
Allow one bounce before each hit.
Standard
No-bounce volleys in 10 x 10 ft boxes with games to 7 points.
Harder
Move partners back to 10 ft and allow only backhand volleys on odd-numbered points.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the partner always sends the ball within reach and one bounce is allowed on that side.
- Visual impairment: use a large, bright-colored ball and play closer, about 3 ft from the net.
- Lower skill level: start with a balloon instead of a ball.
Learning goals
- Volley the ball with the paddle in front of the body and short strokes.
- React quickly to close-range balls.
- Choose the direction of the shot to win the point.
Equipment for a class of 25
- paddles: 25
- soft balls: 13
- low net: 1
- cones: 24
Teacher tip
Stress having the paddle ready in front of the chest between shots. Use soft balls: at this distance, a hard ball can hurt.
PatioLab has "Paddle Volley-to-Volley at the Low Net" and 3999 more activities ready to drag into your lesson and run from your phone in the gym.
More activities like this
More main activities for Elementary
1-on-1 Mini Volleyball Up and Down the River
One-on-one mini volleyball duels on 3 x 3 m courts under a rope 2 m high, using a receive, self-set and send rule.
1-on-1 Side-Step Square Duels
In pairs, inside 5 x 5 m squares, an attacker holding a football tries to get from the starting side to the far side without the defender pulling a flag.
1v1 Four-Gate Soccer Duels
In a square with a gate on each side, two players go head to head and score by dribbling through any of the four gates.
2-on-2 Mini Volleyball with a Neutral Setter
Two-on-two mini volleyball with a neutral setter under the rope who always plays for the team with the ball.
2v1 Attack Waves to Mini Goals
Two attackers take on one defender and try to score on a small goal in under 10 seconds.
2v2 Alley Mini-Volleyball
A 2v2 mini-volleyball game on a very long, narrow court, about 33×10 feet, where the only way to win a point is by playing for depth: short near the net or deep to the…