Ericka Kofkin

LEI 4724

Activity Title: Balloon Volleyball

Source: Jody Cox CTRS, Miami Dade Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces

Equipment: Balloon (use foam balls for latex allergy), string, folding gymnastic mats

Activity Description:
1. This activity brings the sport of volleyball indoors. To set up, simply string a piece of
yarn, rope, or ribbon across an open, slightly above head height to make a net.
2. The group is divided evenly into two teams, positioned on either side of the net.
3. Use the balloon to serve and score points using the same basic rules as
conventional volleyball.

Leadership Considerations:
1. Players should rotate positions, and change servers each time the balloon changes
sides.
2. Add rules that force the game to include all participants, such as requiring all team
members touch the balloon before returning it to the other side. Increase the
intensity by keeping score. To lower it, cheer wildly for every point, scored without
tracking the actual number. The activity leader can foster good sportsmanship by
congratulating the opposing team when they score points and encouraging
participants to do the same.
3. Instead of facilitating from the perimeter, join a team and play with the participants.
4. Participants with cerebral palsy: This activity will require one staff for each
participant needing support for trunk control. Place a mat on the floor to designate
each teams playing area. Move all players to the mats. Spend a long time
stretching and loosening up before playing. Participants can hit the balloon with any
part of their bodies. Some players with CP might experience greater success by
using their feet or legs instead of hands to play. The facilitator should encourage
creativity and self-awareness. To play, one staff supports each player requiring
assistance. They will need to keep their players loose with gentle continuous
stretching and movement. The staff supporters might need to guide their players
arms to assist with hitting. If rotating positions is too difficult, players can play the
entire game from the same spot, but each person should still take a turn serving
from his or her position. Team serves are acceptable for participants with cerebral
palsy; another teammate or staff can throw the balloon up for the server to hit.
Players can serve by using their hands, heads or feet to send the balloon over the
net. In a mixed group, all players must play from a seated position.
5. Participants with dwarfism: Adjust the net to a height that is fair for all players. To
ensure inclusion, mark out boxes on the ground for each participant. A player may
only touch the ball when it is inside of his or her square. Consider using mats, and
having the entire group play from a seated position.