Send and Sub: 4v4 Mini-Volleyball with Rolling Subs
A 4v4 mini-volleyball game with one sub per team: whoever sends the ball over the net jogs off along the sideline, and the sub comes in. No one hogs the ball, everyone rotates in and out nonstop, and the team must reorganize every rally.
How to play
- Two or three courts about 30×20 feet with a net or rope at 6.5 feet; teams of 5 in pinnies, 4 on court and 1 at a sub cone on the sideline by the net (3 min).
- Serve underhand and play with up to 3 touches per team; the first touch may be caught and tossed to a teammate.
- The player who sends the ball over immediately leaves along the sideline to the sub cone; the sub runs in to fill the open spot.
- If a team is briefly down to 3 because the sub hasn't arrived yet, keep playing: the rally doesn't stop.
- Regular scoring to 15 points or 6 min; play 3 games, switching opponents (18 min).
- After each game, the team spends 30 seconds discussing who covers the spot left open when someone leaves.
Rules
- Players leave along the sideline without crossing in front of teammates.
- The sub may only enter once the ball has crossed the net.
- Never touch the net or go under it.
- If a sub goes wrong, replay the point with no penalty.
Variations
Easier
The sub only comes in after a point, not on every send, and any touch may be caught.
Standard
Sub on every send over the net, with catching allowed on the first touch only.
Harder
All 3 touches are required, and the sender must high-five the sub before they come in.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: doesn't sub out and plays a fixed front spot; their send triggers a sub for another teammate.
- Autism or shyness: starts as a fixed sub who keeps score and joins in when ready.
- Lower fitness: place the sub cone halfway down the sideline, closer in.
Learning goals
- Take part in every team play without hogging the ball.
- Reorganize the team on court when players change.
- Cooperate with teammates through encouragement and communication.
Equipment for a class of 25
- lightweight volleyballs: 3
- low nets: 3
- pinnies: 30
- cones: 6
Teacher tip
It's a high-energy game: keep water handy and give 1-min breaks between games. If subs get jammed up, mark a cone lane along the sideline.
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