Air Ball Striking

Learning Outcomes

• Strike the Beach Volleyball upward with an open palm so that my partner can strike it before it hits the ground.
• To develop hand-eye coordination, striking skills, and spatial awareness using lightweight balls  (such as balloons or foam balls) in a fun and engaging activity.

Description Of Activity

Gather the students and explain the objectives of the activity: to improve hand-eye coordination and striking skills.
Demonstrate proper striking techniques using an open hand or a tool such as a paddle or racket, depending on the age and skill level of the students.

Warm-up:
Lead the class through a dynamic warm-up routine, including jogging, arm circles, leg swings, and light stretching.
Incorporate some hand-eye coordination exercises such as passing lightweight balls back and forth with a partner.

Setup and Explanation:
Set up a designated playing area using cones or markers to define boundaries.
Explain the rules of the activity: students will work in pairs or small groups to strike lightweight balls back and forth using their hands, aiming to keep the ball in play for as long as possible.
Emphasize safety, reminding students to be aware of their surroundings and not to strike the ball toward others' faces.

Main Activity: Air Ball Striking:
Practice Rounds:
Start with some practice rounds to allow students to get familiar with the activity and practice their striking technique.
Encourage students to experiment with different striking styles and angles to control the trajectory and speed of the ball.
Scoring Rounds:
Divide the class into pairs or small groups, depending on the number of available balls.
Each group takes turns striking the ball back and forth, aiming to keep the ball in play as long as possible.
Assign points based on the number of consecutive hits or the time the ball remains in play before hitting the ground.
Keep score for each round to add a competitive element, or focus on improvement and technique without keeping score.
Feedback and Coaching:
Provide feedback and coaching to students as they practice their striking skills, focusing on proper technique and adjustments to improve control and accuracy.
Encourage students to communicate with their partners or teammates, helping each other to anticipate the trajectory of the ball.

Cool-down and Reflection:
Lead the class through a cool-down routine, including static stretches to relax muscles and prevent soreness.
Gather the students for a brief reflection on the activity. Ask them to share what they learned about hand-eye coordination and striking skills, and how they can apply these skills in other activities.

Conclusion:
Congratulate the students on their efforts and improvements during the activity.
Encourage students to continue practicing their striking skills outside of class and to explore other activities that require hand-eye coordination.
Remind students of the importance of persistence and practice in developing skills and achieving goals.
 

Variations

Adjust the size and difficulty of the playing area based on the age and skill level of the students.
Provide a variety of lightweight balls to accommodate different preferences and skill levels.
Keep the atmosphere positive and supportive, focusing on improvement and teamwork rather than competition.

Coaching Tips

• Square to Target, Opposite Foot Forward, Tick Tock Swing, Contact Beach Volley Ball with Palm Waist High, Follow Through Up Toward Target
• Allow students to catch and then serve the Beach Volley Balls to their partners.
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Equipment/Material Required

Lightweight balls (balloons, foam balls, or softballs)
Cones or markers to designate playing area boundaries
Whistle
Scorecards (optional)