Net Game Navigators Teacher Guide Net Game Navigators
Teacher Instructional Guide
Grade Level 4th - 5th
Duration
45-50 Minutes
Focus
Volley & Cooperation
Equipment
Paddles, Wiffle balls, Cones, Spots
Navigational Goals
Maintain a consistent Ready Position with knees bent and paddle out front.
Execute a controlled volley using a short "pushing" motion rather than a full swing.
Demonstrate cooperative gameplay by prioritizing accuracy to keep the ball in play.
Shipboard Safety
Ensure students maintain "bubble space" (arm's length + paddle length) from others. Paddles stay down when the teacher's whistle blows. Use underhand tosses only during drills.
Voyage Itinerary
00-08
Minutes
Warm-up: The Navigator's Drift
Students move throughout the space. On signal, they perform a specific "Ready Position" check (e.g., "Knees deep!", "Paddle up!"). Transition to individual paddle balancing with the ball.
Key Cue: "Balanced like a boat in high seas!"
08-15
Minutes
Skill Instruction: The Gentle Push
Demonstrate the volley. Contrast the 'Swat' (power, low control) with the 'Push' (steady, high control). Model the contact point: out in front, waist height.
No backswing: "Start at the target."
Firm wrist: "Like a solid wall."
Eye contact: "Watch the ball hit the strings."
15-35
Minutes
Main Activity: Rally Reefs
Pairs work in designated "Reefs" (defined by cones). They start with self-volleys, then move to a partner-toss-and-volley, finally attempting a full cooperative rally.
Level 1: Sole Sailor
Individual continuous volleys (upward).
Level 2: Duo Drift
Partner A tosses, Partner B volleys back. Swap.
35-45
Minutes
Challenge: The High Tide Rally
Pairs attempt to achieve their highest consecutive rally score. Every 3 minutes, ask pairs to report their current "tide height" (score). Emphasize control over force.
45-50
Minutes
Cool-down & Debrief
Return equipment. Final reflection: "How did slowing down help your team's score?"
Net Game Navigators Slides Net Game Navigators
MASTER THE VOLLEY • CHART THE COURSE
Our Mission
Steady the Ship
Master the "Ready Position" for instant reaction.
Precision Volleys
Control the ball with short, guided "pushes."
The Cooperative Creed
Work together to keep the rally alive!
KEY THEME
Control over Power.
Sustaining over Scoring.
The Ready Position
Deep Knees
Stay low to the deck for better balance.
Paddle Up
Keep your paddle out in front, like a shield.
Focus
Eyes locked on the ball from the toss.
"BE THE WALL, NOT THE WAVE!"
The Volley
DON'T SWAT
Big swings lose control and send the ball flying off-course.
DO PUSH
Use a short "guide" motion. Start with the paddle near the ball.
The Contact Zone
Waist Height
In front of your body
Watch it hit the center
High Tide Challenge
How long can you and your partner keep the ball afloat?
GOAL RALLY SCORE
METHOD COOPERATION
"Your partner's success is your success!"
Volley Voyage Activity Guide Volley Voyage
Active Station Guide
"Navigator's Oath: I will control my paddle, support my partner, and keep the ball afloat."
1
Mission: The Calm Waters
Objective: Individual Balance & Control
Stand in your own "bubble space." Balance your ball on your paddle while walking around a single cone. Next, try small, controlled volleys to yourself.
Navigator Cue:
"Paddle flat as a tray, keep the ball from drifting away!"
10 HITS Solo Goal
2
Mission: The Duo Drift
Objective: Partner Feedback & Target Practice
Partner A stands at the blue cone, Partner B at the red cone (about 5 feet apart). Partner A tosses underhand. Partner B volleys it back to Partner A's chest. Switch roles after 5 successful catches.
Was the volley waist-high?
Was the paddle in the "Ready Position"?
Did the Navigator use a short "Push"?
3
Final Mission: High Tide Rally
Objective: Maximum Cooperative Rally Count
Both Navigators start in Ready Position . Start the rally with a gentle toss. Count every successful volley (no floor bounces allowed!). If the ball hits the deck, the "Tide Resets" to zero. Help each other by aiming your volleys directly to your partner's paddle.
Level: Rowboat 5 HITS
Level: Schooner 10 HITS
Level: Galleon 20 HITS
Level: Admiral 40+ HITS
Voyage Reflection & Notes
Observation: What made our longest rally successful?
Adjustment: One thing to change for the next voyage:
Rally Log Worksheet Navigator's Log
Volley & Rally Reflection
Navigator:
Date:
The Ready Position
Check the THREE things a Navigator does to be ready for the ball:
Deep knees (bent)
Paddle behind back
Paddle out in front
Eyes on the ceiling
Eyes on the ball
Sitting on the floor
The Contact Zone
Where should your paddle meet the ball for a controlled volley? Draw a small "X" on the figure below to show the best contact point (waist height, in front).
Rally Log
Voyage Attempt Partner Name Consecutive Volleys Attempt #1 Attempt #2 Attempt #3 PERSONAL BEST
What was one thing your partner did to help you succeed?
Voyage Complete!
Turn this log in to the Lead Navigator (your teacher) for your final rank and badge.