For the past six weeks the elementary students at the Academy of Charter Schools in Westminster Colorado have had an opportunity to test their skills at bumping, setting, passing, and serving the volleyball in practices and match play. Programs like this don’t exist everywhere, but they should!
Here’s the scoop about the program:
• Teams included boys and girls from the 3rd through 6th grades.
• Light balls were used to make it easier for the players to learn the skills.
• The elementary physical education teacher was the program director. Parents and members of the community coached the teams.
• Since the Academy is a K-12 charter school, players from the junior high and high school teams served as mentors and assistant coaches.
• There were about 60 participants on the teams.
• Practices and matches were held on Saturdays for six weeks. Each team practiced an hour (8:00, 9:00, or 10:00) and matches were played between 11:00 and 2:00.
• Team fees were minimal and the price included a t-shirt.
• The players were allowed to select their team names. Over the years team monikers have included the Highlighters (neon yellow t-shirts), Spicy Cheese Nachos (dark yellow shirts) and the Mean Green Serving Machine (green t-shirts).
• Each match included two games to 25 and a third game to 15, no matter who won the first two games.
• The 3rd and 4th graders were allowed to serve form a special line closer to the net. In addition, they got two chances the first time they served.
• The better serving teams won most games, yet there was no restriction on the number of consecutive points a team could win (welcome to reality).
• There was ongoing substitution so everyone played.
• For the younger players, the snacks after the game were often the most important part of the activity.
The value of this elementary intramural volleyball program extended beyond the boundaries of the court into the hallways and community.
