Category: Volleyball

2v2 Mini Volleyball


Grade level: 4-6
Equipment: Volleyballs, Skipping Ropes, Cones
Game Description: Another fun volleyball idea to get players hitting more reps and more contact with the ball in small sided games. It’s really so simple: make groups of 3 players, middle player holds skipping rope over head as net, use cones at the end for out of bounds. There are some simple rules like no spiking of course, as well switch the net holder every 3 points. That’s about it (thanks to Angelo Gasparro)!

Beat The Card


Grade level: 4-8
Equipment: Volleyballs, Deck of Cards
Game Description: This is a great volleyball skill-working game to practice PASSING. Students need to be in groups between 3-7 people. They get into a bump circle.
A student from each group will pick up a playing card from the deck in the middle and bring it back to their group. Whatever the card is, they have to beat the card. If its a face card they have to get 11, 12, or 13 passes in a row before ball hits the ground (corresponding with Jack, Queen, King). If they pull a 5 they have to get 5 passes in a row.
If they beat the card, they keep it. If they don’t, the card goes back into the deck. For every card they beat, they get that amount of points. They are competing to see which group can collect the most points. Variations: give them 2-3 opportunities to beat the card depending on the age level. Can also have them do an exercise if they do not beat the card. (Thanks Angelo Gasparro)

4-Square Volleyball


Grade level: 5-8
Equipment: Volleyball
Game Description: 4-square volleyball merges the classic game of 4-square with volleyball skills like bumping and setting. Squares can be created in the sand, or using cones, or painted lines, skipping ropes, etc.  All you need is at least 4 players ready to have some fun practicing their volleyball skills. Read More →

The Serving Game (Volleyball)


Grade level: 5-8
Equipment: Volleyballs, net
Game Description: Great game to practice serving, after learning the proper technique. Lots of reps and serving accuracy is accomplished in this mini-game that groups one team up against another to be the team with the best serving accuracy. A must-try as part of a volleyball unit. Read More →

Volleyball Hoops


Grade level: 4-8
Equipment: Volleyballs
Game Description: A fun game to practice bumping and setting skills in volleyball. A passer tosses the ball to his teammate who then tries to bump or set the ball into the basketball hoop. Players rotate, and have many chances to score points for every successful hoop. A great way to practice passing accuracy. Definitely a must-play physical education game as a part of a volleyball unit or bumping or volleying progression.

Serving Champs


Grade level: 5-8
Equipment: Volleyballs
Game Description: A great simple volleyball serving activity to practice serving reps and accuracy. Two teams of even numbers each start on their side of the court, all at the serving line. The players on one of the teams are each given a ball, as one team starts with the serves. Keep track of how many serves land in. Then it’s the other team’s turn to serve – keep track of how many of their serves landed in. Team with most points wins.

Kings Court


Grade level: 5-8
Equipment: Volleyball, volleyball net
Game Description: King’s Court is an idea that can be used in many sports…commonly volleyball, badminton, and basketball. When successful, players advance their way into the King’s Court. Upon losing a match or round, they start back at the beginning and work their way back up. This game rewards the stronger or advanced athletes or teams, but doesn’t take away opportunity from anyone.

Blind Volleyball


Grade level: 5-8
Equipment: Bedsheets (or parachutes), volleyball net, volleyball
Game Description: Blind volleyball is a regular game of volleyball except teams can’t see eachother or the other side because there are bedsheets covering the net. Parachutes also work well to cover. Great for reaction time, and ready position! Read More →