Fun Volleyball Games for Middle School

Volleyball games have several benefits for middle school students. First, volleyball improves hand-eye coordination through set ups, proper hitting form, and foot positioning. Second, volleyball games provide healthy exercise for students to enjoy. Volleyball games also force students to cooperate with each other which, in turn, develops problem-solving and communication skills. Try one of several volleyball related games to keep your middle school students entertained and to improve their skill sets.

  1. Blanket Volleyball

    • As a team sport, volleyball requires players to work together in order to successfully compete. On the other hand, no play in volleyball requires team members to perform the same task at exactly the same time. The level of coordination and teamwork necessary for such a game requires good communication skills and planning. Blanket volleyball develops these skills through the use of a blanket. Instead of players hitting and setting up the volleyball individually, each team holds a large blanket to catch the ball and return it over the net. This requires coordinated footwork and handwork to move about the court and send the ball flying by pulling the edges of the blanket taut. Teams earn points when the opposite team fails to catch the volleyball or send the ball back over the net.

    Ball of Fire

    • All sports require players to maintain their skills under pressure, a difficult task when the time clock starts to wind down or the team faces a large point deficit. Ball of fire teaches middle school students to keep proper form when time is limited. Players stand around in a circle and hit the ball to each other in any order. The teacher blows a whistle randomly, and the last person to touch the ball after the whistle blows must leave the game. The last student standing wins. Students must keep proper hitting form, as specified by the teacher, to stay in the game as well.

    Volleyball Give Away

    • Volleyball Give Away develops multitasking skills by sending several volleyballs into the air simultaneously. This makes for a confusing scenario at times but one your middle school students can learn to handle. Start the game by dividing the class into two team and give each team an equal number of volleyballs. Teams volley the balls back and forth until someone blows a whistle at the end of a set period of time. Give points based on how many volleyballs are on each side of the net. The team with the least number of points wins.

    Indoor Volleyball

    • Not all volleyball games require the use of an actual volleyball. In fact, rainy days may prevent students from going outside and using the courts. Utilize the same concepts as volleyball by using a beach ball indoors for Backside Volleyball. Set up a "net" with rope, a line of desks or any other suitable items. Next, divide the class into two teams. Students must sit down and hit the ball back and forth over the "net." Teams are awarded a point if the other team fails to hit the ball over the net or allows the ball to hit the floor. The team with the most points wins.