Stretch Rotation: Six Volleyball Zones, Six Stretches

Groups of six take the six zones of a volleyball court, and each zone has a card with a stretch and a question about that position's job. Rotating just like in a game, students stretch the whole body and review each zone's responsibilities.

How to play

1. Each group lines up in zones 1 to 6 on its court; each cone has a card with a gentle stretch and a question (1 min).
2. First station: hold the stretch for 30 seconds while answering the card's question out loud (for example, "Who covers the tip from zone 6?") (2 min).
3. Rotate clockwise, like in volleyball, at a walk; new card, new stretch (3 min).
4. Final round: the group must say from memory which zone goes with which stretch, without looking at the cards (2 min).

Rules

• Stretch without bouncing or pain; if it hurts, ease off.
• Rotate at a walk, in real volleyball order.
• Answer the question before moving to the next zone.
• Cards stay on their cone for the next group.

Variations

Adaptations

• Students with limited mobility: cards include a seated version of each stretch.
• Students with visual impairments: a partner reads the card and describes the stretch.
• Students with an injury: swap the stretch for the affected area with one for another body part.

Learning goals

• Stretch the muscle groups volleyball uses most.
• Review each court zone's responsibilities.
• Cool down gradually after exertion.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 12
• cards: 12

Teacher tip

Make the cards once and laminate them; they'll last all year. The typical mistake is rotating the wrong way: put an arrow on the floor showing the direction.

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