Three-Touch Chain to the Basket

In groups of four, students link the pass, set, and attack to send the ball into a hoop on the far side. They learn what each of volleyball's three contacts is for.

How to play

1. Groups of four on mini courts with an elastic cord. Roles: tosser on the far side, passer, setter standing in a hoop by the net, and hitter. Explanation and demo (4 min).
2. Round 1: the tosser sends the ball over the net; the passer bumps it to the setter, who catches inside the hoop and tosses to the hitter, who catches and throws to the hoop on the far side (6 min).
3. Round 2: the setter no longer catches but sets with fingertips; the hitter still catches and throws (6 min).
4. Round 3: the hitter sends the ball over with a set or a soft attack hit (6 min).
5. Points game: 1 point per clean contact and 3 if the ball lands in the target hoop. Rotate roles every five plays (8 min).

Rules

• The setter tries to stay in their hoop; it's the passer's job to get the ball there.
• The three contacts are by three different people.
• The far-side tosser moves away from the target hoop and doesn't face the attack.
• Courts are at least 2 m apart to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Fear of the ball: start as tosser or setter with catching allowed and a soft ball.
• Limited mobility: takes the setter role in a fixed hoop while teammates deliver the ball.
• Students with autism or who need to know what's coming: give them the role rotation order in writing.

Learning goals

• Understand what each contact does: receive, set up, attack.
• Direct the ball to a teammate or a specific zone.
• Work as a group to build a play.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 8
• hula hoops: 16
• elastic cords: 4
• cones: 16

Teacher tip

Lay out the setter hoops before class so setup is quick. If you don't have cords, a row of chairs or a gym bench works as the net.

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