Introduction to Spikeball Skills
Overview
Spikeball is a game that can be played on beaches, college campuses, city parks, anywhere you have room! Here we will practice some basic ball handling techniques and cooperative activity to build the skills necessary to play Spikeball.
Introduction to Spikeball
Lesson Topic:
Introduction to Spikeball
Lesson Description:
Warm ups and technique practice for students new to the game of spikeball.
Learning Goals/Outcomes:
- Students will practice self hits with a spikeball.
- Students will be able to hit the spikeball back and forth with a partner.
- Students will prepare for a game of spikeball by cooperatively hitting the ball off the spikeball net with their group.
Nebraska Standards:
PE.HS.15.1 Demonstrates competency in motor skills and movement patterns needed to perform a variety of physical activities. PE.HS.15.1.a Performs a variety of activity/sports specific movement skills at a mature level
PE.HS.15.3.c Utilizes communication skills and strategies to promote successful participation in team activities.
Teacher Planning:
Equipment/Materials Needed:
- 1 spikeball for every 4 students
- 1 spikeball net for every 4 students
Time Required for Lesson:
30 minutes
Diagram/Setup:
- Students will begin in relay formation, in lines of 4. (fewer if you have more spikeballs)
- For activity 1, students will be in a line down the middle of the gym, across from a partner.
- For activity 2 and 3, students will still be down the middle of the gym, but now in groups of 4, 2 on each side, with a spikeball net in the middle
Technology Use:
_____ YES ___x__NO
Anticipatory Set/Pre-Activity:
Spikeball is a game that you might see played at the beach, a park, or on college campus. You can also play it in your backyard with 2 or more people! Today, we will practice some of the skills necessary and add the rules tomorrow.
Warm Up:
- Students are in lines, relay style, as few per line as possible.
- Each group has a spikeball.
- They begin by standing in place and hitting the ball up in the air with their hand, or alternating. Use flat hand, and slightly curved hand. Continue for 30 seconds, then the next student takes a turn. Ask students which way was more successful?
- On their second turn with the ball, students may try and walk across the gym and back. Can they hit the ball above their head? Below? Alternating hands? Try not to let it hit the floor!
Activity 1: In Groups of 2, students will spread out along the center of the gym, facing each other. They will practice hitting the ball off the floor back and forth to each other.
Activity 2: When students are able to hit the ball back and forth, put one spikeball net in between them. Another group will join and they will stand around the net, practicing hitting the ball at the net. Order of hit does not matter.
Activity 3: Pass and Run. Now for our challenge - 2 Students will stand on each side of the net, one behind the other. Their challenge is to hit the ball with their palm so it hits the net and bounces up. After they hit it, they should run to the back of the line across the net. The person in front on the other side should attempt to hit the ball back at the net, and run to the back of the opposite line. The group should count how many hits in a row they can successfully complete without the ball hitting the floor. If they get 20, they go write their name on the record board. Instruct students to remain in a ready position, athletic stance so they can change directions quickly to get the the ball.
Closure:
When hitting the ball, how did you have the most control? (eye contact, hand position)
Show me the ready position that helped you be successful? (formative assessment on their athletic stance).
Supplemental Information:
Modifications: Can use a hula hoop instead of net, playground, foam or volleyball. Instead of running, students can stand in a circle around the net and count how many hits they can successfully make.
Safety Precautions: Ensure plenty of room between groups.
Comments (adaptations for various grades/ages, teaching styles, etc.)
For a cooperative event, have the students pick the spikeball nets up. Working together as a class can they bounce the spikeball off the net - no hands after the start - and move the spikeball to the other end of the room? It can not hit the floor, and it cannot hit the same net twice in a row.