How to play Catch and Pass Volleyball to encourage team work on the volleyball court.

The Game of the Month is Volleyball! This month in honor of our dozens of developmental volleyball leagues across the country, we're sharing fun volleyball skills building games. This week's game is a great for encourage passing and teamwork on the court. The Game of the Week is Catch and Pass Volleyball!


Group Size:  10+

Age Group:   Grade 1+
Length of Activity:   More than 10 minutes
Developmental Goal:   To teach teamwork while working together to get the ball over the net.
Equipment:  Volleyball and a volleyball net


Before You Start: 

  • Fairly split the group into two teams.
  • Have volunteers demonstrate the concepts of bumping, setting and serving.
  • Teach the rules of the game and ask the players to explain it back to you.
  • Emphasize the concept of passing and looking for the best place to return the ball.

Set Up: 

  • Create a traditional volleyball court, using lines or cones for clear boundaries.

How to Play: 

  • Arrange players in standard volleyball formation, with four to six players in two rows on each side of the net. Others wait in a line on each side to rotate into the game.
  • The ball is served by throwing or serving it over the net.
  • Players must catch, pass and throw or hit the ball back over the net in three tries or less.
  • Play continues until one team:
    • Hits or throws the ball outside the boundaries.
    • Does not put the ball into play on the other side of the net in three tries or less.
    • Allows the ball to touch the floor on their side.
  • This game can be used to teach rotation.
  • Only the serving team can earn points.
  • If the serving team loses a volley, the other team gets the serve.
  • Teams rotate each time they regain the serve.

Variations: 

  • If no net is available, consider a rope between two poles or having players practice hitting the ball above head level when returning it to the other team.

Find more new and exciting games in our games library!

Love implementing Game of the Week? Playworks offers professional development programs that will teach your staff to use recess and playtime to improve health and support learning. Curious to learn more? Submit the Training Assessment form and a local Playworks representative will respond directly.
 

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