Underhand Serve Point Zones
The opposing court is split into zones worth different points, and teams take turns underhand serving to rack up as many points as possible. Students practice serving technique, controlling power, and aiming at areas that are hard to defend.
How to play
- Use flat disc cones to divide the court into six zones: deep zones are worth 3 points, side zones 2 points, and zones near the net 1 point.
- Make 4 teams of 6 or 7: two teams serve from each end and two teams shag balls on the other side; switch every 5 minutes.
- For 3 minutes, teach and practice the motion in pairs with no net: opposite foot forward, ball in the hand, arm swings like a pendulum, contact with the heel of the hand.
- For 10 minutes, students serve in turn from the end line or from a cone 20 ft from the net; the team scores the zone where the ball lands.
- Shaggers roll balls back along the floor and call out the serving team's points.
- Finish with a 4-minute final challenge: each team picks one zone and the team with the most serves in it in 2 minutes wins, then talks about the result.
Rules
- Serve only on the teacher's signal and when shaggers are clear of the serving line on the other side.
- Return balls by rolling them under the net, never by throwing them over.
- A serve that clips the net and goes over counts; one that doesn't go over scores nothing.
Variations
Easier
Serve from a cone 13 ft from the net with a lighter ball.
Standard
Underhand serve from 20 ft or from the end line depending on each student's level.
Harder
Serve only from the end line, and only the 3-point zones count.
Adaptations
- Limited mobility: the student serves seated from a cone 10 ft away and each serve counts double.
- Autism: keep zones in fixed colors and provide a card with the serving steps illustrated.
- Lower skill level: allow a two-handed overhead throw over the net for the first attempts.
Learning goals
- Perform an underhand serve with the correct stance and arm swing.
- Adjust serving power to reach the chosen zone.
- Identify which areas of the court are hardest to defend.
Equipment for a class of 25
- volleyball: 12
- net: 1
- cones: 4
- flat disc cones: 20
Teacher tip
The most common mistake is tossing the ball up before contact; have students hit it almost straight out of the hand. Group students of similar ability at the same distance so everyone experiences success.
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