In 5th and 6th grade we have been working on the volleyball skills of bump and set. At the end of each class period we played this game with a beach ball to practice the skills in a fun way.
Divide gym space into 4 squares. I did this using poly-spots. Class is divided into 4 equal teams (about 8 students per team) and each team positions themselves in one of the squares. I serve a beach ball into the playing area. Teams try and keep the ball from hitting the ground in their square using sets and bumps. We also practice a couple of volleyball rules: no double hits and no carrying the ball. Anytime the ball hits the ground the team in that square gets a point (least points wins) and the ball returns to the side to be served in. By serving the ball in myself I can vary the area the ball begins in to maximize keeping all students involved. My students have gotten quite good at keeping the ball in the air and loved playing this game. We played it for just five minutes at the end of each class. It is quick to set up and clean up as well as lots of fun.
*notes
I also tried it with multiple balls in the air — doesn’t work as good, too confusing
Could potentially try it using a real volleyball