Upside-down Dribbling!

To practice the overhead volley, using the cues:

• Fingerpads -- like upside-down dribbling
• Use two arms
• High level!

Volleying

K-2

One balloon, beach ball or other soft, light, medium-sized ball for each student. A large open space should be used.

• The students will be scattered throughout playing area.
• Students will first work individually then with a partner.

Introduce the overhead volley by showing the motion of dribbling a basketball. Then, reverse the motion so you are "dribbling" overhead. Ask students if they know what activity this motion is used in -- yes, volleyball!

Remind students of the three hints to overhead volley really well: 1) just as one uses the fingerpads to dribble, you also use the fingerpads to volley; 2) your hands push up to a high level, all the way over your head; and 3) you should use both, not just one, hand.

Instruct students that when you give the signal, they should take a balloon (or an appropriate type ball) to their self space while practicing keeping the ball up in their self space using the overhead volley. While students are practicing, observe and offer feedback based on the three cues. After students are consistently using the three cues to volley in their space, have them overhead volley while moving through general space. It is best to have them walk for this.

Toward the end of the activity (which may take the entire period), have students put one balloon or ball away and get a partner. Explain they and their partner will use the overhead volley to keep the balloon (or beach ball, balzac ball, etc.) up in the air. They should count how many times they can keep it up, using the overhead volley.

Time students, see how many they can do do in a row without the ball hitting the ground.