Nicole Verret

10/13/2015

LEI 4724

Volleyball
Citation Source: Smith, L. (2003). Keep it going volleyball. Retrieved from:
http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txactive.htm
Equipment Needed: Open space such as gym or auditorium space, or outdoor court volleyball
net, volleyball or beach volleyball, tape for floor or dots for floor (up to 12) optional.
Activity Description: This activity is to focus on physical activity, exercise, social skills, and
communication with teammates. This activity is also useful in that participants can explore their
skills and translate them to leisure pursuits independently though local leagues, pickup games or
intermural programs. This activity can be done with any age group, in an inpatient or outpatient
or community setting. The facilitator would first want to start with a review of the rules,
especially if it is an open group where the participants fluctuate from session to session. This
group could occur at a variety of intervals: daily, weekly, monthly, etc. Selecting teams each
week with the participants help will encourage participants to all get to know each other and
challenge themselves as they work with a variety of skill sets. Utilize the tape or dots to
designate participate spots, and encourage rotation between team serves to help participants learn
to play all positions.
Leadership Considerations: It would be best for the facilitator to have some experience playing
volleyball recreationally, and to be on the sidelines rather than a player to help coach both sides,
and to referee the game. Utilize teaching moments within the game and encourage the
participants to have positive, open communication with each other. Depending on the
composition of the group (i.e. recreational league vs. hospital setting) you may want to have the
participants set goals and process the game with questions about whether they met their goals,
interactions with peers, etc.
Adaptations : One adaptation could be for participants who are unable to stand, or for those who
are working on maintain positive boundaries separate from their peers. Organize players in a
smaller court with chairs for the different positons. You will want to utilize a ball or balloon
which remains airborne longer so that participants have a better chance of reaching it.
Additionally, this activity could be modified further by having participants seated in a circle
without a net, so that they can be closer together. One caution with seated volleyball is to be
careful if you are working with participants who are non-ambulatory that they do not accidently
fall out of their chairs reaching for a ball. Water volleyball is another good modification of this
activity for participants who want to participant but may not have the most steady gait to move
around as balls come around, such as working with the elderly.