Spikezone Learn to Play is finally here!! But what is it?
As the name suggests, Spikezone ‘Learn to Play’ programs are a series of entry-level skill and game-related coaching sessions for Volleyball or Beach Volleyball.
We use a smaller sized court, a lower net and a softer/lighter ball with less players on court so everyone touches the ball more often. Depending on the age and level of experience, slight rule changes can be used to ensure the rallies are longer and a lot more fun.
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At SCVA, we have taken the national program a step further and incorporating a multi-tier program to allow players ample development and progress into the junior program. As players become more experienced, they will receive a certificate of achievement upon completion of each level. Have a read of our safety-first policy here.
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The courses are designed especially for primary and early secondary school students aged between 8 and 13 years and are conducted by accredited Volleyball Australia coaches (including WWCC) over a 6-8 week period.
What are the differences with Spikezone Learn to Play and Spikezone Play?
A full Spikezone Program involves introductory game orientated ‘Learn to Play’ courses followed by competitive ‘Play’ opportunities by way of a weekly league format towards the end of the terms. Following a ‘Learn to Play’ course, players will be equipped to move to the next level and test themselves with their teammates in more competitive games.
What will you learn?
All of the basic skills of Volleyball will be covered, in a fun game-orientated way. The main learning outcome for the ‘Learn to Play’ courses is for kids to have an understanding of how to play Spikezone Volleyball, what skills to use and how to work together in teams. In early stages, players may be allowed to catch and toss the ball to become familiar with the mechanics, positioning and fundamentals. More experienced players are always welcome to play without the catch option so that they can continue to work on their skills at the same time.
The main skills of Volleyball include:
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Serving
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Passing
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Setting
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Spiking
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Blocking
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Digging
What is the schedule and how often are courses run?
Our course runs between 6-8 weeks (aligned with the Victorian public school terms) and involves a 45-minute session per week. Players are provided instruction and time to warm up and cool down.
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Do I need to sign up for a team?
Signing up a team of 4 or more is encouraged and playing with mates can add to the excitement but isn't required. Players signing up individually may get matched together to form teams.
How do I sign my child up?
Step 1 - register with Volleyball Victoria - our state governing body. The registration fee is $30 and covers state membership and insurance for the duration of the active season (April 1 to March 31). During the registration process, select Surf Coast Volleyball Association into the "Other Association" text box.
​Step 2 - following your registration with Volleyball Victoria, please pay your child's term fees via the product link below. Please include your child's name in the description box.
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​​All players (trial or members) must be aware and abide by the Spikezone rules and regulations.
Like Volleyball, Spikezone is about getting the ball over the net in three hits or less and winning the rally because the ball hits the ground in the opposition's court, the opposition fails to return the ball over the net in three hits or the opposition hits the ball out of court.
Unlike Volleyball, Spikezone has only four players on court. If teams have more than four players, substitutions rotate on to play each time the team wins a point on the opposition serve. Also, to ensure the safety of all players and staff, kicking the ball is not allowed in the Spikezone program.
Each point starts with a serve. The serve must be hit over the net and is not allowed to touch the net. At all other times during a rally the ball may touch the top of the net.
Games are 15-25 minutes in length and are played best of three sets. The first two sets are first to 15 points, but you have to win by at least two points. This means that if the score is 15-14 you keep playing until one team has a lead of two points. The final set is first to 7 points and again you have to win by at least two points.
In order to prevent one player dominating a game on serve, after three successive successful serves by a single player there is a forced rotation and therefore a new server.
At all times players are expected to be 'good sports' and 'play fair'. At the end of a game
all players should thank the opposition, the referee and their coach.
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