Sitting Volleyball: Yes, You Can Block the Serve
Small-sided game built on a rule unique to sitting volleyball: the serve can be blocked. It forces players to serve with more intent and to organize serve receive differently from standing volleyball.
How to play
- Setup and rule: two 10 × 6 m courts with a low net; in sitting volleyball blocking the serve is allowed and the pelvis must touch the floor when playing the ball (4 min).
- Pairs serving practice: a flat serve just over the net vs. a high, deep serve; the partner tries to block at the net (6 min).
- 4v4 game to 15: a directly blocked serve is worth 2 points; rotate servers after each point won (11 min).
- Debrief: which serve beat the block most often and where the blocker set up (4 min).
Rules
- Pelvis on the floor when contacting the ball; if it lifts, point to the opponents.
- Feet may pass under the net as long as they don't interfere.
- No diving: seated movement only.
- Follow the serving rotation.
Variations
Easier
Lower net and serves from 3 m.
Standard
Net at seated neck height and serves from the end line.
Harder
End-line serves only, and the blocker can move along the whole net.
Adaptations
- Student with a prosthesis or lower-limb amputation: plays on equal terms; this is their benchmark sport.
- Student with a shoulder injury: plays receiver with forearm passes, no serving or blocking.
- Deaf or hard-of-hearing student: the referee raises an arm as well as whistling every fault.
Learning goals
- Apply a rule specific to sitting volleyball.
- Choose the serve based on the blocker's position.
- Work together to organize serve receive.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyballs: 6
- volleyball net: 1
- posts: 2
- masking tape: 2
- mats: 6
Teacher tip
Without a dedicated net, lower a badminton net or tie a rope with tape between two posts at a seated student's neck height. Official spec: 1.15 m for men and 1.05 m for women; no need to measure it in class.
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