Mini Volley

Mini Volley cards are the second stage in Volleyball England's version of the TOP SPORT programme and are a key element of the “Let’s Play Volleyball” National Youth Volleyball Programme. This resource is perfect for player of all ages who have experienced the basics of the sport and are ready to move into the next phase of the player development pathway in the exciting 3v3 game format.

Mini Volley comprises of a set of activity cards which help teachers and coaches introduce the sport to young players. The cards have been designed to help teachers satisfy the requirements of the National Curriculum at KS3. Volleyball England believe that the Mini Volley cards are not a standalone resource and recommend the KS3 training module in addition to purchasing a set of cards.

Volleyball England believe that to get the most out of the Mini Volley cards teachers and coaches should attend the associated training module. This 4 hour training course provides an opportunity to become familiar with the resource and explore a variety of ways of using the activity cards. A course can be organised by teachers from within a School Sport    Partnership, by a Partnership Development Manager a School Sport Co-ordinator or a club coach: for information on forthcoming courses, please visit the courses page.

Mini Volley: The Philosophy

Volleyball England believes:

• Young people learn best by playing the game
  
• In order to match the abilities of the developing child, programmes of work should be modified and adapted.
  
• An understanding of strategy and tactics develop by solving the problems that are generated by playing the game
  
• The use of the cards will encourage the development of teamwork, techniques and creative skills through a greater understanding of the game.
  
• Organisational, leadership and officiating skills should be developed as early as possible.
  
• Whenever possible the role of the teacher and coach is to assist the young person’s learning through asking questions, suggesting modifications and adaptations and giving appropriate feedback.
  
• Fair play and sporting behaviour should be encouraged at all times.
  
• Young people should play in a safe, effective and child friendly environment.

The Mini Volley Cards

There are 12 cards in total, divided into four groups:

• Warm-up Cards (2): designed to help players prepare physically & mentally for the game, development & technical components of any session.
• Game Cards (2): the main vehicles for children to learn the principles, strategies & basic techniques of Mini Volley. Also included is a universal card which refers to sitting volleyball. These cards should form the central focus of any session.
• Development Cards (4): designed as conditioned games where activity organisation & adapted rules help emphasise a particular sub-component of the full game, enhancing play in the 3 v 3 format. Also included is a universal card which refers to sitting volleyball.
• Technical Cards (3): designed to support the activities of the development & game cards, & cover the techniques of forearm passing, attacking, officiating & tournament organisation.

If you wish to purchase a copy of the Mini Volley cards please visit the online shop.