Volleyball 4v4: Diamond Rotation with Incoming Server

4v4 games on small courts with players set in a diamond (front, two sides and back) and mandatory rotation when the team wins the serve. The player rotating into the back spot serves, so everyone plays every position.

How to play

1. Set up 6 x 12 m (20 x 40 ft) courts with a net or rope at 2.24 m (7 ft 4 in); teams of four with a fifth student as sub and scorekeeper (3 min).
2. Explain the diamond: front player at the net sets, two side players attack and the back player passes and serves (3 min).
3. Walk-through without serves: clockwise rotation on the signal and review of who does what in each spot (4 min).
4. Games to 15 points, rotating when the serve is won; the sub enters at the back spot each rotation (15 min).
5. Each team notes which rotation won the most points and discusses it (5 min).

Rules

• When the team wins the serve, it rotates before serving; otherwise the point is replayed.
• Only the front player may block.
• Balls from another court stop play and are returned by hand before continuing.
• Courts are at least 6 feet apart to avoid collisions.

Variations

Adaptations

• Wheelchair user: keeps a fixed front spot with the net lowered on that court.
• Hearing impairment: the scorekeeper shows the score with big cards and signals rotation with a gesture.
• Autism: gets a diagram of the four positions and their job in each one.

Learning goals

• Understand rotation and each position's role in a four-player system.
• Use passing, setting and attacking in real small-sided play.
• Cooperate with teammates while taking on different roles.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 6
• volleyball nets: 3
• cones: 24
• pinnies: 14

Teacher tip

With 28 students you can run five or six courts; if space is tight, string ropes between basketball hoops or portable posts. The sub ensures nobody sits out.

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