Game/Task outline Forearm Passing Progressions (Lesson 1)
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Equipment: 1 volleyball between pairs
Aim of game: Create proper skill technique to execute the forearm pass
Rules:
1. In pairs, one student tosses the ball to the passer extending a flat platform
2. Pass starts sitting, then kneeling on one knee then standing
3. Passer must send nicely arched pass back to partner (x10 each position)
Tactical Awareness:
SPACE: Straight arm position to send arching pass back to partner, angle of arms to create accurate
pass, body facing direction of pass
TIME: Extend arms as the ball reaches them
FORCE: Controlled to arch back to the tosser’s hands
Off-the-ball Movements
On-the-ball Skills
Flat platform ready position
Flat platform contact position
Base
Arching pass with appropriate height
Body facing pass target
TASK PROGRESSION
REFINEMENTS – Cues
Extensions/
Simplifications
1. Both partners pass the ball
Accurate/Consistent passes
by one partner to target
Both could start
tossing
2. Make passes longer
Consistently reaching
target
Have shorter
target
3. Have students count number of successful
Students have at least 50%
Have tosser give
passes to target
success rate
passer corrective
feedback
(R. Marchant)
Using a 3 progression style to get to the skill technique of the forearm pass was a great
way to break the skill down into the basic components. We used game/task outline
because it progressed the forearm pass starting with the basic flat arm base then gradually
adding in a gentle arm swing and ending with the upright position including the gentle
arm swing and the leg push. This drill is set up in a controlled station between two
partners allowing a lot of hands on experience to master the skill. This fundamental skill
is a stepping stone that can be advanced into many other complex drills to bring
volleyball tactical awareness into the gym.