Sitting Volleyball Unit

Unit Outcomes: Upon completion of the unit, students will demonstrate basic skills needed to participate in a modified volleyball game.

Grade Level

This unit is designed for 4th grade and up. For the lower elementary levels used lightweight balls or a balloon with duct tape around it to increase the speed of the flight. Do not use balloons if any of the students suffer from latex allergies (picture #3).

Picture #3: Balloon reinformed with duct tape

National Physical Education Standards
SHAPE America's National Standards define what a student should know and be able to do as result of a quality physical education program. States and local school districts across the country use the National Standards to develop or revise existing standards, frameworks and curricula.

Standard 1 - The physically literate individual demonstrates competency in a variety of motor skills and movement patterns.

Standard 2 - The physically literate individual applies knowledge of concepts, principles, strategies and tactics related to movement and performance.

Standard 3 - The physically literate individual demonstrates the knowledge and skills to achieve and maintain a health-enhancing level of physical activity and fitness.

Standard 4 - The physically literate individual exhibits responsible personal and social behavior that respects self and others.

Standard 5 - The physically literate individual recognizes the value of physical activity for health, enjoyment, challenge, self-expression and/or social interaction.

Activity/skills Cues
Note: There are no activity cues for the skill of blocking to allow for more rallies. As the students progresses introduce blocking drills/activities.  

Movement
•    Legs in front of you and slightly bent.
•    Arms down with hands on the floor ready to push in all directions.
•    Stay alert and ready to move

Overhead Passing / Setting
•    Open hands and spread fingers into a ball-shaped “cup” above the forehead.
•    Make a triangle with the thumbs and pointer fingers.

Forearm Passing / Dig
•    Thumbs together and even in height.
•    Point thumbs downwards.
•    Keep arms fully extended to create a platform with your forearms.
•    Direct the platform angle to rebound the ball towards your target.

Serving
•    Pull back on your hitting arm as if you were going to shoot a bow and arrow.
•    In your non-hitting hand, raise the ball to shoulder height with your arm in front of you.
•    Toss the ball gently 1-2 feet out of your hand.
•    Swing through the ball to your target.