Volleyball is a popular sport that can be played by people of all ages and abilities. Teaching volleyball skills in physical education classes can be done effectively through a variety of games.

This article will discuss three games in particular: small-sided net games, two-player catch, and volley four square. Each game can be tailored to the age and skill level of the students, allowing for a fun and engaging learning environment.

Through these games, students can learn and practice fundamental volleyball techniques, such as serves, passes, volleys, and spikes. Furthermore, coaches should emphasize foot movement and spacing when playing and make adjustments to serve distances and use throwing motions when appropriate.

By incorporating these games into physical education classes, students can be taught how to play volleyball while also having fun.

Small-Sided Net Games

Small-sided net games are recommended for elementary school aged students. They can be set up using small net barriers, benches, and gym mats to create triangle nets. Students partner up with opponents and use balls such as tennis or softball-sized bouncy balls to play. The focus is on boundaries and catching the ball after one bounce.

Players catch and lob the ball underhanded back to their opponents, while coaches should emphasize foot movement and spacing. As the students become proficient, they should group up into teams of two. Different balls can be used to challenge students and change the level of difficulty.

This type of game can be used to teach volleyball skills to elementary school students.

Two-Player Catch

Two players line up on opposite sides of a volleyball net and use underhand throws to catch and return the ball. This type of game, called Two-Player Catch, is recommended for elementary school aged athletes. It focuses on developing the basic skills of catching and returning the ball without the complexity of playing on an actual net.

The following are important elements of the game:

  • Use regular volleyballs and toss the ball underhand to partners.
  • Teach underarm volleyball pass (bump) to improve control and aim.
  • Encourage foot movement and spacing.

Volley Four Square

Modifying the traditional Four Square game to include a volleyball can help teach fundamental volleyball skills to elementary and middle school aged students. The game is played on a normal Four Square grid with the goal of controlling the ball with other players instead of knocking each other out. Players start with easy lobs and learn the underarm pass (bump). Coaches should emphasize foot movement and spacing, as well as teamwork and ball control. When a mistake is made, players rotate. Once they become proficient, volleys can be added. | Skill | Elementary | Middle School | | — | — | — | | Lob | ✓ | ✓ | | Bump | ✓ | ✓ | | Foot Movement | ✓ | ✓ | | Spacing | ✓ | ✓ | | Teamwork | ✓ | ✓ | | Ball Control | ✓ | ✓ |