Towel Volley: Catch and Launch in Pairs Over the Net
Pairs holding a towel between them catch the ball and launch it over the net by snapping the towel taut together. It's a way to play volleyball without direct ball contact, great for anyone who's afraid, and it forces partners to coordinate.
How to play
- Each pair holds a towel by its four corners. They practice tossing the ball up and catching it by pulling the towel tight together (4 min).
- Two pairs, one on each side of the elastic cord, pass the ball back and forth with towels and count their best streak (5 min).
- Add movement: the launching pair calls "right" or "left" and the receiving pair has to move to catch (5 min).
- Mini towel game, two pairs vs. two pairs: a point is scored when the ball lands on the other side. The catching pair can pass it to their teammate pair before sending it over (8 min).
- Final mix: one person per pair lets go of the towel and forearm-passes a ball launched by another pair, which catches it again (3 min).
Rules
- Both people hold the towel with both hands the whole time.
- Launch by snapping the towel upward, not yanking it sideways.
- Watch your partner when moving so you don't trip.
- Soft balls only.
Variations
Easier
Play without a net, 3 m apart, and the ball may bounce before the catch.
Standard
Passing and mini games over the cord.
Harder
The ball must go through three towels on the same team before crossing the net.
Adaptations
- Fear of the ball: this is the entry activity; the student decides whether to try the final mix.
- Limited mobility or wheelchair users: hold their side of the towel from the chair while the partner matches the height.
- Students with visual impairments: bell ball, and the partner guides movement by voice.
Learning goals
- Coordinate movement with a partner to catch and launch.
- Read the ball's flight without fear of contact.
- Take part in a net game both cooperatively and competitively.
Equipment for a class of 25
- towels: 15
- soft volleyballs: 8
- elastic cords: 4
- cones: 16
Teacher tip
Ask students to bring a towel from home the day before; if you're short, sweatshirts held by the sleeves and hem work. The typical mistake is each partner pulling at a different moment: have them count "one, two, go!"
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