Teaching kids volleyball can be incredibly rewarding. It's a fantastic sport that develops coordination, teamwork, and strategic thinking. This guide provides a step-by-step approach to teaching volleyball to children of all ages and skill levels, focusing on fun and engagement to build a love for the game.
Getting Started: Age-Appropriate Introduction
Before diving into skills, remember to tailor your approach to the children's age and maturity. Younger children (5-7 years old) need shorter, more playful sessions, focusing on fundamental movement and ball control. Older kids (8-12 years old) can handle more structured drills and strategic elements.
For Younger Children (5-7 years old):
- Focus on Fun: Use games like "keep-away" or "red light, green light" to introduce the ball.
- Basic Movement: Practice running, jumping, and throwing.
- Ball Control: Simple activities like bouncing, tossing, and catching the ball. Introduce the idea of underhand throws and gentle tosses.
- Keep it Short: Sessions should be 30-45 minutes maximum.
- Positive Reinforcement: Lots of praise and encouragement!
For Older Children (8-12 years old):
- Introduce Basic Skills: Start with the fundamental skills like serving, passing, setting, and hitting.
- Structured Drills: Organize drills that focus on specific skills, gradually increasing difficulty.
- Teamwork: Introduce simple team activities and games.
- Longer Sessions: Sessions can be extended to 60-90 minutes.
- Strategic Thinking: Introduce the concept of positioning and teamwork within the game.
Fundamental Volleyball Skills for Kids
Break down the game into manageable parts, focusing on one or two skills per session. Remember to keep it fun!
1. Serving:
- Underhand Serve: Start with an underhand serve, focusing on consistent contact and aiming for a specific target. Use a soft ball to start.
- Overhand Serve: Gradually introduce an overhand serve as their skills develop. Emphasize proper technique and follow-through.
2. Passing (Forearm Pass):
- Platform: Teach the correct forearm passing platform – arms together, elbows locked, and the hands slightly cupped.
- Contact Point: Guide them to make contact with the ball in front of their body.
- Direction: Emphasize directing the ball to a teammate.
3. Setting:
- Hand Position: Teach the proper hand position for setting—fingers spread wide, creating a soft platform.
- Contact Point: Ensure consistent contact with the ball above their head.
- Direction: Show them how to direct the set to their hitter.
4. Hitting:
- Approach: Start with a simple approach and arm swing.
- Contact Point: Guide them to contact the ball at its highest point.
- Follow-through: Emphasize a strong follow-through.
Game Play and Practice Drills
Once the basics are established, introduce game situations and drills:
- Simple Games: Start with modified games like “king of the court” or “serve and volley” to practice skills in a game-like setting.
- Drills: Practice drills such as passing lines, setting lines, and serve-receive drills to improve skill proficiency.
- Scrimmages: Introduce small-sided scrimmages to incorporate teamwork and strategic play.
Making it Fun and Engaging:
- Positive Reinforcement: Celebrate successes and encourage effort, regardless of mistakes.
- Teamwork Emphasis: Highlight the importance of teamwork and collaboration.
- Variety: Keep sessions varied to maintain interest, combining drills, games, and free play.
- Music: Play upbeat music to energize the session.
- Rewards: Offer small rewards for participation and improvement.
Safety First!
- Warm-up: Always begin with a proper warm-up to prevent injuries.
- Proper Equipment: Ensure children are using age-appropriate and well-maintained equipment.
- Supervision: Always supervise children closely during practice and games.
By following these tips, you can successfully teach children the joy of volleyball. Remember, patience, encouragement, and a focus on fun are key to creating a positive and engaging learning experience. With time and practice, your young athletes will develop their skills and build a lifelong love for the sport!
