Facilitation Technique Category: Therapeutic Sports

Activity Title: Volley ball

Source: Dattilo, J. (2000). Facilitation techniques in therapeutic recreation (3rd ed.). State
College, PA: Venture.
Equipment: Volleyball and volleyball net; large open space
Activity Description: Sports are not only physically rewarding but are also intrinsically
motivating and can create a healthy social interaction among peers. Also, learning about fair
play while having fun, is also one of the benefits of therapeutic sports. In the game of Volleyball
two teams are stationed on either side of the court, with a net in between the. The goal of the
game is to get more points than your opponent which occurs when the other team receiving the
ball on their end miss-hits or cannot get to the ball in time to get it back over.
Leadership Consideration- The CTRS in this activity should take on the role as a leader. Before
the game begins, they should explain the rules of the game. Since this game is relied heavily on
working with your teammates, the leader should also talk to the group about how to solve
obstacles and conflicts during the game.
Adaptations- for a participant who is visually impaired: One adaptation for a person who is
visually impaired is to have the ball being a brighter color, so it will stand out. Another
suggestion would be to use a bigger and softer ball for safety. Lowering the net and placing bells
are beepers on the volleyballs would also be a consideration to optimize the game for all
participants. One rule adjustment would be to allow the players to catch the ball before hitting it
up.
Adaptations- for a participant with Traumatic Brain Injury: One rule adjustment to the
game would be to allow multiple hits from one person to attempt to get it over and also allowing

the ball to bounce. Using a larger ball that is bright could be more motivating to hit. Some people
who have TBI might have hydrocephalus, if this is a case a helmet needs to be worn to protect
the shunt site. Another adaptation would be to have the players be sitting on the ground or sitting
in wheelchairs. The leader should be clear and demonstrate directions. If need be 1:1 CTRS and
participant can first start of by volleying and learning basic skills.

Adaptation References:
-Porter, H. R. (Ed.). (n.d.). Recreational therapy for specific diagnoses and conditions.
-Perkins eLearning. (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2016, from
http://www.perkinselearning.org/scout/specific-sports-activities-blind-visually-impaired
-http://www.recreationtherapy.com/tx/txex.htm
-Dattilo, J. (2000). Facilitation techniques in therapeutic recreation (3rd ed.). State College, PA:
Venture.