Volleyball: GPAI During Games to Measure Decisions

An assessment task for the volleyball unit in small-sided games where observers use the GPAI tool to record each player's decisions, execution and adjustment. Students are assessed on what actually happens in the game, and each one gets their own data to set a specific improvement goal.

How to play

1. Explain the three indicators: good decision (who or where I send the ball), effective execution and adjustment (I return to base position), and how to tally them on the worksheet (4 min).
2. Form six teams and set up two courts; on each court two teams play and the third observes, with one observer assigned to each player (2 min).
3. Round 1: 5 minutes of recording, then 1 minute where each observer tells their player the most striking data point (6 min).
4. Rounds 2 and 3 follow the same structure, rotating so every team plays twice and observes once (12 min).
5. Each player calculates their decision index (good decisions over total), compares it with execution and writes a goal for the next game (4 min).

Rules

• Each observer follows only their player and gives no instructions during the rally.
• A doubtful action is marked as doubtful, not as an error, and discussed in the feedback.
• The data are for improvement: nobody compares indexes out loud.
• Worksheets and pencils stay off the court so no one steps on them.

Variations

Adaptations

• Hearing impairment: indicators are shown on a picture card and round changes are signaled with an arm.
• Limited mobility: acts as lead observer with an enlarged sheet and plays on a court with a light ball and a double bounce allowed.
• Autism: always observes the same partner and gets the order of rounds in writing ahead of time.

Learning goals

• Assess tactical decisions in real game situations.
• Interpret personal performance data to set goals.
• Observe carefully and give brief, respectful feedback.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 4
• volleyball nets: 2
• worksheets: 30
• pencils: 30
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

Run one practice minute with the whole class watching the same player so everyone scores the same way. Keep the sheets: comparing them with the next game is what gives the data its value.

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