Servers vs. Passers

One team serves and the other forearm passes, trying to send the ball to a target player by the net. Every serve and every pass can score, so students practice serve receive under pressure and communication between passers.

How to play

1. On each court, two groups of 6: servers and passers. Three passers in the back court, one target in a hoop by the net, and two waiting (2 min).
2. Servers go one at a time from the end line. Servers score if the serve cannot be controlled.
3. Passers score if the target catches the pass without leaving the hoop; the passer must call 'Mine!' before the ball crosses the net.
4. Every three serves the passers rotate: one becomes the target, the target steps out, and a new passer steps in.
5. After 8 minutes, switch roles; play two rounds per team (16 min) and compare scores.

Rules

• A serve out or into the net is a point for the passers.
• Only the player who called 'Mine!' touches the ball.
• Passers do not dive; if they cannot reach it, they let it drop.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: take the target role or serve from closer.
• Visual impairment: use a brightly colored ball and have the server call their name first.
• Developing passers: allow one self-pass before sending it to the target.

Learning goals

• Pass the serve with the forearms to the setting zone.
• Communicate to decide who takes the ball.
• Value serving accuracy over power.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 10
• net: 2
• hoops: 2

Teacher tip

Cue passers to angle their platform toward the target before contact, not after. Call the score out loud to keep the game competitive.

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