Week 3 - Sitting Volleyball

Equipment

Suitable indoor or outdoor playing area,
Net or rope with ribbons attached (1.5m maximum),
Beach ball, light plastic ball or lightweight volleyball
Blanket, sheets or large plastic bag

Download the Sitting Volleyball - Week 3 activity card to support teaching before and during the sport session.

Skill development game

Learning intention

To practice throwing, catching and cooperative skills in a game situation.

Skill focus

Catching
Defending
Shot placement
Spatial awarenes

Blanket Ball

A basic throw and catch game that builds teamwork as a lead up to Sitting Volleyball.

Equipment: Net or rope with ribbons attached (1.5m maximum), beach ball, light plastic ball or lightweight volleyball, blanket, sheets or large plastic bag

How to play

Divide into 2 teams of 3-6 players.
Each team uses a blanket, sheet or plastic bag.
Teams begin by tossing a ball each. By cooperating, they work together to toss and catch their ball in the blanket.
One team gets together with another team. Using one ball, they work together to toss and catch the ball between teams.
Progress to using a court and barrier, e.g. net or rope.
Play a competitive game. Teams toss the ball over the barrier and score if their opponents fail to catch the ball, or they throw the ball ‘out’.

Blanket Ball - Sports ability playing card

Safety

Ensure enough space between teams.
A playing area free of obstacles. Players’ attention may be focused upwards and the blanket obscures the ground.

Modifying Blanket Ball using TREE

Teaching style

Develop good cooperation, coordination and communication in each team before moving to a competitive game.
Initially, it may be helpful to include players of a similar height in the same team.
Explain that the aim of the game is to work together as a team i.e. both moving with the blanket and in tossing the ball.

Rules

Use very basic volleyball rules.
Ask teams to devise rules on which they can agree.

Equipment

If using a large blanket or sheet is difficult for the group, try working in pairs using a plastic bag or smaller piece of material.
Change the density of the ball. Play with slightly deflated balls to make it easier.

Environment

As teams improve working together, mix the players into new groups.
Try different kinds of barriers e.g. two lines marked on the ground.

Sitting volleyball game

Learning intention

To demonstrate the skills of volleyball in a game situation.

Skill focus

Catching
Defending
Shot placement
Spatial awareness
Throwing

Volley-all

A volleyball game that enables standing and seated players to participate together.

Equipment: Suitable indoor or outdoor playing area, net or rope with ribbons attached (1.5m maximum), beach ball, light plastic ball or lightweight volleyball

How to play

Divide into 2 teams of 6 players.
Players in the front zone are seated, whilst those in the rear zone stand.
Players take turns in serving the ball. A point is scored when the ball lands in the opponents’ court or if opponents hit the ball out.
Score points on every play.
Players remain in their own zones

Safety

Players must remain in their own zones.
Standing players must not move forward into the front zone.
Ensure wheelchair users in the front zone do not not roll back into the rear court.

Volley-all - Sports ability playing card

Modifying Sitting Volleyball using TREE

Teaching style

Encourage maximum participation. Change the set-up of the game to enable everyone to be included.
Some players may prefer to play from a seated position if they have balance difficulty. This can then allow increased concentration on playing the ball

Rules

Gradually introduce volleyball rules, e.g. - allow multiple hits initially, then three hits maximum before the ball must cross the net - allow one bounce, then no bounces.
Use rotations within zones to provide the opportunity to play in different positions.
Initially, ensure serves can be returned.

Equipment

Begin with a slower moving ball, e.g. beach ball.
Move to a harder, faster ball as players’ skills improve.
Try different kinds of barriers e.g. two lines marked on the ground, seat or benches can be used as barriers.

Environment

Adjust the net height to create more inclusion: - lower the net if the ball is always passing over the front zone - raise the net if front zone players are spiking the ball too easily.
If appropriate, introduce movement by standing to play

Reflection