Objective: Block a ball

TECHNIQUE
Today we are going to learn how to block a ball.

IMPORTANCE
Blocking a ball is important because it can prevent points from being scored, force hitters to change the direction of their shots, and slow down hard hit balls.

VOCABULARY
Block: preventing the ball to come onto your side of the court.

When blocking a ball, it is important to:

1. Position yourself half an arm’s length away from the net.

2. Jump straight up as the hitter makes contact with the ball.

3. Keep your hands six inches apart with a slight angle inward (as if you were trying to grab the ball).

4. Do not touch the net with your hands or body.

PRACTICE

I will divide the class into teams of two. Ro Sham Bo to decide who will go first. Spread out onto the field and stand 3 – 5 feet away from your teammate. When I say, "GO!" one teammate will set the ball and the other will bump it back. After you have made five sets, switch roles.
Repeat as many times as needed.

BLOCK BALL

TIME
10-20 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions

EQUIPMENT
1 volleyball per 2 students

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Block Ball. In this game, the objective is to block a ball tossed by the opponent.

INSTRUCTIONS

I will divide the class into teams of two.
Ro Sham Bo to decide who will hit first.
Before the game begins, spread out onto the court with your teammate and stand 1–2 feet away from each other.
When I say, “GO!” one teammate will toss the ball in the air and the other teammate will block/hit the toss.
Tossers must retrieve the ball.
After ten blocks switch roles.

Game 1: Play as indicated above.
Game 2: Keep score. Count how many times blockers prevent a ball from coming over to their side.
Game 3: Have students toss and block on their knees.
Game 4: Have students stand back-to-back. Teammates toss the ball in the air and blockers have to quickly turn around and block the toss.
Exit Ticket: Teacher hits the ball over the net while students block the ball before putting their equipment away.

TEACHING TIPS

ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
Reflection:
- What is so important about blocking a ball?
- What did you find most challenging about blocking the ball?

TARGET BLOCKING

TIME
15-25 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
No restrictions

EQUIPMENT
1 volleyball per 2 students
6 short cones
3 hula-hoops
1 net

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Target Blocking. In this game, the objective is to block a ball tossed by the opponent.

INSTRUCTIONS

I will divide the class into two teams – hitters and tossers.
Before the game begins, tossers and blockers will line up behind their team’s short marker cones on each side.
When I say, “GO!” tossers will toss the ball a couple feet above the net and the hitters must then block and hit the ball over.
Tossers must retrieve the ball and put it in the opposite hula-hoop.
After you have tossed or blocked the ball, get in the back of the line to the left of you.
After five minutes, hitters and tossers will switch roles.

Game 1: Play as indicated above. Do not keep score.
Game 2: Keep score. Count how many times hitters prevent a ball from coming over to their side.
Exit Ticket: Teacher hits the ball over the net while students block the ball before putting their equipment away.

TEACHING TIPS

Approach:
- Depending on class size, increase or decrease the number of tossers and hitters on each side.
- Remind students they should be close to the net.
- To decrease difficulty, lower the net.
ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
Reflection:
- What is so important about blocking a ball?
- What did you find most challenging about blocking the ball?

FOOSBALL VOLLEYBALL IV

TIME
20-30 minutes

NUMBER OF STUDENTS
9-18 students per game

EQUIPMENT
1 volleyball
30 short cones
1 net
Optional: 3 beach balls

OBJECTIVE
Today we are playing Volley Foosball IV. In this game, the objective is to work with your team to block a ball while staying in your designated zone.

INSTRUCTIONS

I will divide the class into two teams.
When I say, “GO!” one team will serve the ball first.
All GrowFit volleyball rules apply.
Everyone must stay in their designated zone until teams rotate for serving.
After everyone has served in the back zone once, then the back zone will move to the front zone. The front zone will then move to the middle zone and the middle zone will move to the back.

Game 1: Play as indicated above. Do not keep score.
Game 2: Keep score. First team to earn 11 points wins.
Variation: To decrease difficulty, use beach balls instead of volley balls.
Exit Ticket: Teacher hits the ball over the net while students block the ball before putting their equipment away.

TEACHING TIPS

Approach:
- Divide teams equally based on athletic ability.
- If volleying becomes too difficult, allow students to catch the ball when it is hit over the net.
ELL Accommodation:
- Post labeled pictures of skills and game play.
- Partner with proficient English speakers for directions/modeling and reflections.
SpEd Accommodation:
- Set individual goals for physical or behavioral modifications.
- Allow students to demonstrate skill one-on-one with teacher.
- Allow students extra time to master the skill.
Reflection:
- What is so important about blocking a ball?
- What did you find most challenging about blocking the ball?