Volleyball Run-Through Rally

Two lines, one on each side, keep the ball going over the net: whoever sends it runs along the sideline to the end of the opposite line. Students practice sets and bumps, moving after contact, and cooperating to set a class record.

How to play

1. Split the class into two groups of 12 or 13 at two nets; at each net, one line on each side about 10 ft from the net (2 min).
2. The first player in one line sends the ball over the net to the first player in the other line and runs down the right sideline to the end of that line (3 min).
3. Count out loud every ball that crosses the net; if it drops, restart from the count reached minus 5 so it never resets to zero (5 min).
4. Class challenge: add up both nets' records in 2-min attempts, with 30 s of rest between attempts (4 min).
5. Last round: only sets or only bumps count, as the group chooses (1 min).

Rules

• Always run along the right side, outside the court, to avoid collisions.
• Only the first player in line touches the ball.
• A self-pass is allowed before sending the ball over.
• Players waiting in line stay behind the cone.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: the student stays on one side without running, and every ball they get counts double.
• Autism: walk through the running route first without the ball to preview the movement.
• Lower fitness level: make longer lines so there is more rest before each run.

Learning goals

• Send the ball over the net with a high, accurate path.
• Move quickly after contacting the ball.
• Cooperate with the group to beat a shared record.

Equipment for a class of 25

• volleyballs: 4
• nets: 2
• cones: 8

Teacher tip

This is the classic Volleyball Around the World drill and works great at the end of a unit. If there is a traffic jam on the run, make the route longer by going around a corner cone.

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