Michael Grego

Nitroball Unit Plan

Dates of Instruction: 11/18, 11/22, 11/30 (Class 8.21)
Grade 8
Williams Middle School

Block/Unit Plan
Day _____1_____

Day ____2______

Day_____3______

Focus/Outcomes:
Focus: bump and set
Outcomes: SWBAT

Focus/Outcomes:
Focus: passing patterns/
progressions
Outcomes: SWBAT

Focus/Outcomes
Focus: overhand
shot & gameplay
Outcomes: SWBA

- Demonstrate how to pass the

-Perform an overh
hit/smash shot at
of angles during g
situations.
- Identify where th
should be hit in re
the body prior to p
an overhand hit/sm
- Utilize good team
cooperation amon
team members du
Nitroball game pla

-Demonstrate how to perform a

bump and a set in a variety of
different levels and angles
- Identify the maximum number
of times that a Nitroball is
allowed to be hit on each side
during game play.
- Adhere to the teachers rules
by placing any equipment on
the ground when asked to do
so throughout the entire lesson.
Equipment/Materials/Technolo
gy:

4 separate nitroball courts, 20

volleyballs/nitroballs, 1 whistle,
1 whiteboard, 1 projector, 1
speaker for music

Nitroball using a specific game

like pattern among other group
members.
- Identify the proper progression
that should be used when
passing the Nitroball from the
back to the front court.
- Abide to the teachers rules by
freezing whenever the whistle is
blown during the entire lesson.
Equipment/Materials/Technolog
y

4 separate nitroball courts, 20

nitroballs, 1 whistle, 1
whiteboard, 1 speaker for music

Learning Activities:

Learning Activities:

Warm-up- Entourage- Students

will participate in this team
building activity that promotes
cheering and encouragement.
Students will pair up and begin
by playing one quick game of
rock, paper, scissors with their
partner. The student who loses
the game becomes apart of the
winning students entourage.
The goal is for students to
continue winning their games
of rock, paper, scissors and be
the last student left with the
largest entourage. Students
who become an entourage

Warm-up- As soon as students

enter the gym from the locker
room, they will report to the
whiteboard. The whiteboard will
display an image of the four
Nitroball courts with students
names on it. Students will go to
their court and begin passing
the Nitroball using the bump
and set skills learned over the
past few classes as a warm-up.
Teacher will create groups
ahead of time, and highlight the
person who is supposed to get
the ball in each group. Groups
will pass the Nitroball in their

Equipment/Mater
ology

4 separate Nitroba
4 Nitroballs, 1 whi
whiteboard, 1 spe
music, 1 projector
8 cones, 12 hula h
(optional)

Learning Activit

Warm-up- Student
participate in sam
as previous day on
different groups.
will go to their cou
continue passing t
Nitroball using the
and set skills learn
the past few class
warm-up. Teacher
groups ahead of t

member must be loud and

energetic and cheer their
leader on as he or she plays
rock, paper, scissors.
Teacher will then introduce the
game of Nitroball to students
by going over the history of the
game and basic rules that
apply to it.
Created in the summer of
2005 in Sarasota, Florida
Often known as upsidedown volleyball (can
only make contact with
ball one time in a row,
maximum of three hits to
get ball on other side)
Ball must bounce off of
the floor once before
player can hit the ball
(ball bounces twice on
one side, team gets a
point)
Explain boundaries- ball
hits boundary line, hits
net and goes over on
other side= point

Only use hands- use one

or two hands

Activity: Students will watch a

short video created by the
teacher that helps explain the
game of Nitroball and certain
skills that apply to the game.
Explain that these are going to
be the skills that students will
learn about over the entire
Nitroball unit. Be sure to
explain how many of the skills
in Nitroball are similar to skills
used in volleyball.
Review the bump and set

groups alternating between

using a bump and a set.
Teacher will review the two
types of passes that are used
during the game of Nitroball:
Bumping: make a
platform with arms,
thumbs together, contact
ball between wrist and
elbow, bend knees (useful
when ball is at low level)
Setting: make a diamond
with hands, elbows wide,
extend arms out when
contacting ball (useful
when ball it at high level)
Inform students about
important passing information
that they need to know for
todays lesson:
Goal should be to contact
ball so it goes high in the
air, but with control (why
important?)
Stay on your toes, be
prepared in ready position
Progression- bump from
back part of court, set
when close to net (why- to
prepare for smash shot)
Activity: Students will be
practicing using passing
patterns that pertain to the
game of Nitroball. Students will
line up in a triangle formation,
with one student near the back
of the court, and two students
in the front court. One student
in the front court will toss the
ball to the student in the
backcourt, who bumps the ball
to the other student in the front
court, who sets the ball back to

highlight the pers

supposed to get th
each group. Group
the Nitroball in the
alternating betwe
bump and a set.

Teacher will then g

used for the over
hit/smash:
Use open ha
contact the
fist)
Strike ball o
down (in fro
head)

Follow throu
bring arm d
towards gro

Close to net
contact poin
net= high c
point

Activity- Students
divided into two d
groups at their co
first activity. Stude
practice using the
hit/smash by strik
Nitroball against t
One student will b
tosser while the o
student will be the
The tosser will tos
high in the air (res
set), then the strik
the ball bounce off
ground one time b
using the overhan
to hit the ball aga
wall. The striker w
retrieve the ball a
become the tosse

information that was

introduced to students in the
opening video:
Bump
Create a platform with
forearms with thumbs
together
Contact ball between
wrist and elbow (meat of
arms)

the student who began the

triangle passing, who then
catches the ball. Have students
repeat the following progression
so they are familiar with the
sequencing:

Toss, bump, set, catch

partners take turn

activity (demonstr
rotation for groups
sure to help stude
giving them the g
for where they sho
striking the ball ag
wall (below the led

Activity- Students
Other students will stand behind practice using the
the bumper and setter and have hit/smash on the N
Bend knees before
them take turns participating in courts. Once again
court will be divid
making contact
activity. Students will switch
for this activity. Th
roles throughout the activity so
students on one s
Set
everybody gets a chance to be
court will be the o
the bumper and the setter.
hitters, while the t
Create a diamond with
Provide clear demo of this
students other stu
hands
activity before having
be the retrievers o
Elbows wide
students attempt it.
other side of the c
Extend arms vertically
students will perfo
progression of tos
Activity- Students will now
overhand hit on o
practice using the bump and
Activity: Students will
The overhand hitt
set pass with their partner.
participate in a passing
follow their shot a
Students will follow the routine competition against the other
the retrieving side
of toss, bounce, hit, catch as
groups on the other courts.
court, and the set
one partner will be the tosser
Students will continue to
and the other will be the
perform the passing progression becomes the new
hitter. One retriev
bumper in this activity. After 10 of toss, bump, set, catch in a
opposite side of th
attempts, have students swap
triangle for one minute seeing
will retrieve the ba
roles so the tosser becomes the how many times they can
bring it back over
bumper. Remind students
successfully pass the ball in a
other side of the c
about the importance of having triangle without a violation
they can perform
the ball bounce prior to them
occurring. Remind students
overhand smash s
using the hit the ball. Also,
about violations when passing
progression. Be su
remind students that they are
the Nitroball:
provide a clear
only working on passing, so
they should not be hitting their
Ball bounces ground twice demonstration of
rotation, and have
volleyballs/Nitroballs over the
Ball is hit without it
go around the out
net yet. Students will use the
bouncing
court.
following progression for this
Explain how this is more gameactivity:
like, as students will need to be
Tosser throws ball directly on their toes and move quickly
Activity- Students
at student
to try to complete as many
participate in Nitro
Tosser throws the ball to
passes as possible in one

the left of the student

Tosser throws the ball to
the right of the student
Combination of left and
right side
Student passes ball at
low level
Student passes ball at
medium level (to
waistline)
Student

passes ball at
high level (above head)

Activity- Students will create a

circle in their groups on their
side of the Nitroball court.
Students will practice using
both the forearm pass and
push pass to pass the Nitroball
among other people in their
circles. To start the activity,
have students use the same
toss, bounce, pass technique
that was used in the first
activity. Explain that this time,
students will be trying to
continuously pass the ball
among other group members,
preventing the ball from hitting
the ground twice. Encourage
students to use good
communication in this activity.
Assessment:
Teacher checklist- Teacher will
use a checklist to check off if
students were able to use the
bump and set with the proper
skill cues during todays lesson
Closure Q & A- Teacher will ask
students question related to
the number of times the ball is
allowed to be hit on each side

minute.
Activity: Students will use the
remainder of the class to
participate in modified Nitroball
game play. Teacher will be sure
to go over important rules prior
to having students play
Ball must bounce once
unless its is off of a serve
No consecutive hits
Maximum number of
three hits per side
Serve from back right
corner
Encourage students to use the
bump, set passing progression
that was used in class today.
Assessment:
Teacher observation- Teacher
will observe students
participating in the Nitroball
passing pattern activity to see if
they are using the passing skill
cues discussed during the
informing portion of the class.
Exit Slip- Students will draw the
toss, bump, set, catch passing
pattern that was used
throughout class today (formal
or informal)
Closure Q & A- Teacher will
reinforce rules/expectations by
asking students about what
they need to do when the
whistle is blown during the
lesson

play for the remai

the class. Remind
about the importa
Nitroball, and new
information on wh
happens after a p
scored during gam

Team who s
point gets to

Players rota
clockwise af
service chan

Assessment:

Teacher observati
Teacher will obser
students to see if
utilizing the prope
overhand hitting/s
cues that were ex
the informing port
lesson.

Post quiz- Teacher

administer post qu
if students have g
knowledge throug
Nitroball unit

-Informal Closure
Discussion- Stude
talk about some o
strategies they us
Nitroball game pla
made them succe
share

of the net during Nitroball

game play
Student feedback/ informal
questioning- Students will
respond to teachers question
about what they need to do
with equipment after the freeze
signal throughout the lesson.
Teacher will ask students if they
think they did a good job with
this throughout the lesson

References:
http://www.gophersport.com/files/pdf/mio_58142_activityinstructions.pdf
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qX-HJrMwMJ5h8TNVShtG8oZEcQDSSus5NfOLiv0D5w/edit?pref=2&pli=1
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93gAd3VODmk
http://www.ksd.k12.ky.us/userfiles/7/NitroBall%20Study%20Guide.pdf
Children Moving: A Reflective Approach to Physical Education by
George Graham, Shirly Ann Holt/Hale, and Melissa Parker

Springfield College Physical Education Health Education

Department
PE Unit Outcomes/State & National Standards/Content/Assessment Template
Psychomotor, Affective, and Cognitive Domains
Grade/Experience Level_____8______

Unit Outcomes

Reference
MA CF &
NASPE
Standards
by #

Content to be
taught

Assessment

Psychomotor

S1. M17.
8

Day 1bumping/setting

Day 1- teacher
checklist

S1. M17.
8

Day 2- passing
patterns/progressi
ons

Day 2- teacher
observation

(By the end of the

unit, students will be
able to)

Perform a variety
of skills that are
used in the game
of Nitroball
including
bumping, setting,
using passing
patterns/progressi
ons, and overhand
hitting

Cognitive
Identify various
rules and
strategies that are
be used during a
game of Nitroball

S1. M13.
8

MA CF
#2.2
S2. M8. 8
S2. M8. 8

S2. M8. 8

Affective
Demonstrate
respect and good
sportsmanship by
abiding to the
Nitroball rules
used throughout
the unit.

MA CF
#2.2
S4. M6. 8

Day 3- overhand
hit/smash and
game play

Day 1- Closure
Q&A

Day 2- pass
patterns used in
game situations

Day 2- Exit slip

Day 3- Post quiz
for unit

Day 3- overhand
smash: close to
net- low contact
point, far from nethigh contact point

Day 1- bump/set
pass
Day 2- passing
patterns/progressi
ons
Day 3- overhand
hit/smash and
game play

MA CF
#2.7

Day 3- teacher
observation

Day 1- general
Nitroball rules

S4. M6. 8
S4. M6. 8

(include rubrics,
quizzes, etc. in
written
materials
section)

Day 1- Student
feedback/
informal
questioning
Day 2- Closure
Q&A
Day 3- Closure
discussion

Unit Evaluation System:

Students will receive a participation score out of 5 points for each day in the Nitroball
unit. Those who do not change and who are unprepared will received a U for the day,
while those with a medical excuse will receive an M for the day.
The following table shows the participation rubric. Each component represents 25% of a
students score.

Cooperation
with others
Ability to work
with others
productively
without any
problems

Ability to work
with other
productively
without any
problems most
of the time

Ability to work
with other
productively
without any
problems some
of the time

Struggles to
work with his
or her peers
productively
without

Decision
Making
Ability to make
decisions that
help his or her
group achieve
success most of
the time. Makes
good decisions,
which dont
endanger other
Ability to make
decisions that
help his or her
group achieve
success most of
the time.
Mostly makes
good decisions,
which dont
endanger other
students
Sometimes has
the ability to
make decisions
that help his or
her group
achieve
success. Often
makes bad
decisions,
which endanger
other students
Rarely has the
ability to make
decisions that
help his or her
group achieve

Effort

Respect

Giving an
honest effort
with whatever
task or activity
that is given

Is respectful
and polite to his
or her
classmates and
teacher

Gives an honest
effort most of
the time with
whatever task
or activity that
is given

Is respectful
and polite to his
or her
classmates and
teacher most of
the time

Giving an
honest effort
sometimes with
whatever task
or activity that
is given

Is respectful
and polite to his
or her
classmates and
teacher
sometimes

Giving an
honest effort
rarely with
whatever task
or activity that

Is respectful
and polite to his
or her
classmates and
teacher rarely

problems
arising

Cant work
with others at
all productively
without
problems
arising

success. Often
makes bad
decisions,
which endanger
other students
Cant make
decisions that
help his or her
group achieve
success. Rarely
makes good
decisions,
which
endangers other
students

is given

Never giving an
honest effort
with whatever
task or activity
that is given

Is never
respectful and
polite to his or
her classmates
and teacher

Assessments
Bumping and Setting Checklist
Students will receive a check if they are able to demonstrate 2 out of the 3 skill cues used
for either bumping or setting in Nitroball
Bump- make a platform with forearms with thumbs together, contact between wrist and
elbow, bend knees
Set- create a diamond with hands, elbows wide, extend arms vertically

Bumping and Setting Checklist

8.21 PE class (D & F Days)
Students Initials

AA
CB
EB
SC
SD
AG
EG
MG
KH
AH
EH
SJ
HJ
CJ
KK
JL
CM
MS
CT
EY

Bumping

Setting

Name:

Exit Slip
In the space provided below, please draw the passing pattern that
was worked on during class today.

Springfield College Daily Lesson Plan

Name: Michael Grego

Date: 10/31/16

School: Williams Middle School

Facilities: Gymnasium

Time: 12:01-12:46 (8 )
th

Lesson #: 1
Class Size: 20

Unit/Theme: Nitroball

Grade: 8

Generic Level: Control/Utilization

Equipment: 4 separate nitroball courts, 20 volleyballs/nitroballs, 1 whistle, 1

whiteboard, 1 projector, 1 speaker for music
Focus of Lesson: Introduction to nitroball, forearm pass (bump) and push pass
Student Performance Objectives (SPO):
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

(P) Demonstrate how to perform a forearm and push pass in a variety of different levels
and angles. (S1. M17. 6, MA CF #2.2)
(C) Identify the maximum number of times that a nitroball is allowed to be hit on each
side during game play. (S2. M8. 6, MA CF #2.2)
(A) Adhere to the teachers rules by placing any equipment on the ground when asked to
do so throughout the entire lesson. (S4. M6. 6, MA CF #2.7)
Check each objective is it specific? Is it achievable? Is it developmentally
appropriate?
Teacher Performance Objectives During the lesson the teacher will:
1. Use both student and teacher demonstrations to explain the activity, and position
himself properly so all students can see demonstrations.
2. Utilize all four nitroball courts and spread students out among all of them in order
to increase OTRs.
3. Enhance students understanding of the game of nitroball by using technology
during the informing portion of the lesson.
Special Considerations What are the safety concerns? What is unique about the
students in this class?

1. Make sure students are properly spaced out on all of the nitroball courts so that
there is an equal number of people per court.
2. Make sure students are aware of their surroundings at all times and objects that
might come into their court from the groups that are next to them.
References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93gAd3VODmk
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qX-HJrMwMJ5h8TNVShtG8oZEcQDSSus5NfOLiv0D5w/edit?pref=2&pli=1
http://www.gophersport.com/files/pdf/mio_58142_activityinstructions.pdf

TIME
0-5:00

5:008:00

SEQUENCE OF LESSON
Attendance- Students will enter gymnasium and
quickly get changed in the locker room. Teacher
will take attendance as students walk in gym.
Students will then have a seat on bleachers in front
of the whiteboard and wait for teacher to explain
the warm-up activity for students.
Warm-up- Entourage- Students will participate in
this team building activity that promotes cheering
and encouragement. Students will pair up and
begin by playing one quick game of rock, paper,
scissors with their partner. The student who loses
the game becomes apart of the winning students
entourage. The goal is for students to continue
winning their games of rock, paper, scissors and be
the last student left with the largest entourage.
Students who become an entourage member must
be loud and energetic and cheer their leader on as
he or she plays rock, paper, scissors. After the
activity, students will then return to sit on bleachers
in front of whiteboard and wait for further
instructions
Informing- Teacher will introduce himself to

ORGANIZATION

REFLECTIONS

S S SSSSSSSS
S

T
Did not get to this
activity, will save it
for Day 2 of Nitroball

SS
SS
SS

SS

8:0013:00

students and explain the focus of the dayintroduction to nitroball, forearm pass. Explain
some important rules to students since today is the
first class meeting with them.

start and stop signals: Start= Ready, go

Stop= Whistle blows

place all equipment at feet during lesson

when teacher is giving instructions

SS

SS
Good quick informing
portion that went over
all of the rules of
Nitroball. Related the
game to volleyball to
help them understand
it a little better

S S SS SS

Teacher will then introduce the game of nitroball to

students by going over the history of the game and
basic rules that apply to it.
T

13:0018:00

Created in the summer of 2005 in Sarasota,

Florida

Often known as upside-down volleyball

(can only make contact with ball one time
in a row, maximum of three hits to get ball
on other side)

Ball must bounce off of the floor once

before player can hit the ball (ball bounces
twice on one side, team gets a point)

Explain boundaries- ball hits boundary line,

hits net and goes over on other side= point

S
S S S S

Video was good and

took less time than
expected, allowed me
to get right into the
lesson with the
students

Only use hands- use one or two hands

Use checking for understanding to ask students

information related to the game of nitroball

T
S

Activity 1: Nitroball Video- Students will watch a

short video created by the teacher that helps
explain the game of nitroball and certain skills that

S
S

S
S

18:0019:00

apply to the game. Explain that these are going to

be the skills that students will learn about over the
entire nitroball unit. Be sure to explain how many
of the skills in nitroball are similar to skills used in
volleyball.

S S S S

Try to find alternative

ways to make
groups/teams to make
this transition quicker

Try to do a better job

of reminding students
how to properly hold
their hands together
when performing a
bump (many were
interlocking their
fingers)

Extension Up: Have a group of students

demonstrate the game of nitroball on the actual
court behind the whiteboard

19:0025:00

Extension Down: Show students another video of

people playing in an actual nitroball game to help
students get a better understanding of the game.

Transition: Have students line up on a line from

youngest to oldest. Divide students up into 4
groups so students are equally spread out on the 4
separate courts. In their four groups, have students
partner up. Tell students that they should get one
volleyball/nitroball per pair, and line up on their
individual side of the court so that partners are
facing each other. Have one group of students
demonstrate how to perform this transition for the
class.

S
S S S S

Activity 2-Partner passing practice: Review the

forearm pass (bump) information that was
introduced to students in the opening video:
Create a platform with forearms out in front
of body
One hand over the other with thumbs
together
Contact ball between wrist and elbow (meat
of arms)
Bend knees before making contact
Students will now practice using the forearm pass

S S

S S

with their partner. Students will follow the routine

of toss, bounce, bump, catch as one partner will be
the tosser and the other will be the bumper in this
activity. After 10 attempts, have students swap
roles so the tosser becomes the bumper. Remind
students about the importance of having the ball
bounce prior to them using the forearm pass. Also,
remind students that they are only working on
passing, so they should not be hitting their
volleyballs/nitroballs over the net yet. Students will
use the following progression for this activity:
Tosser throws ball directly at bumper

S S

S S

S S

-------------------------S

S
S

Related the set to

Superman by telling
students to extend
their arms vertically in
the air

S
S
S

Tosser throws the ball to the left of the

bumper
Tosser throws the ball to the right of the
bumper

*lines divided into

four courts

Combination of left and right side

Bumper passes ball at low level
Bumper passes ball at medium level (to
waistline)
Bumper passes ball at high level (above
head)
Be sure to apply the different progressions to the
actual game of nitroball (ex. why might it be useful
to pass the ball at a high level among your
teammates?)

25:0026:00
26:0031:00

Students will now practice using the push-pass in

pairs. Explain how this is similar to the set in
volleyball. Give students cues to use for the pushpass in volleyball:

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S

-------------------------S

Create a diamond with hands

S

This activity seemed

to give students a
motivational
objective, be careful
of grouping certain

Elbows wide
Extend arms and flick wrist
Be sure to demonstrate how to perform a proper
push-pass for students to see. Students will perform
same activity of tossing and passing ball in partners
and swapping roles after 10 attempts, only this time
they will focus on using the push pass. Students
will follow the same progression of:

students who do not

work well together

S
S

*lines divided into

four courts

Tosser throws ball directly at bumper

Tosser throws the ball to the left of the
bumper
31:0032:00

Tosser throws the ball to the right of the

bumper

32:0036:00

Combination of left and right side

Bumper passes ball at low level
Bumper passes ball at medium level (to
waistline)
Bumper passes ball at high level (above
head)
Extension Up: Increase the distance between
students, have students continuously pass the ball
back and forth preventing the ball from touching
the ground twice
Extension Down: Help demonstrate how to use
the four cues for students who struggle with the
activity

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S

-------------------------S

S
S
S
S
S

Transition- Students will place equipment at feet

and wait to hear teachers instructions
*lines divided into
four courts

Allowed more time

for 8th grade to
perform this activity.
Most classes seemed
to do a decent job with
the gameplay portion
of the lesson for the
first day.

36:0037:00

37:0040:00

Activity 3- Group passing activity- Students will

create a circle in their groups on their side of the
nitroball court. Students will practice using both
the forearm pass and push pass to pass the nitroball
among other people in their circles. To start the
activity, have students use the same toss, bounce,
pass technique that was used in the first activity.
Explain that this time, students will be trying to
continuously pass the ball among other group
members, preventing the ball from hitting the
ground twice. Encourage students to use good
communication in this activity.
Extension Up: Have students try passing at a high
level, have students spread out so circle is farther
apart, perform a timed one minute challenge seeing
how many passes students can get in one minute
without making a mistake

40:0045:00

Extension Down: All students must touch the ball

before someone can hit it twice, have students call
out the names of other students when passing

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S

-------------------------S

S
S
S
S
S

*lines divided into

four courts

Transition- Students will place equipment at feet

and wait to hear teachers instructions

Activity 4- Modified game play with netStudents will participate in a modified game play
activity with the other group of students that are
across from them on their court. Each group will
continue to practice using the forearm pass (bump)
and push-pass to pass the ball among teammates
and then hit the ball over the net towards the other
group of students. Remind students about possible
violations

Ball hits ground more than once or student

does not let ball hit ground once before
hitting it

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S

-------------------------S

S
S
S

Reviewed the bump

and set during the
closure and even
incorporated levels
too (ex ball is high=
set, ball is low=
bump). Once again,
leave enough time for
a closure and to allow
students to change too

Ball does not go over net

Ball goes out of bounds

Encourage students to line up in a formation so

some students create the front line, and others
create the back line. To start each rally, have one
team simply toss the ball across the net to the other
team since students have not been taught the
serving skill yet

*lines divided into

four courts

Extension Up: Encourage students to try to get the

nitroball over the net using only 3 hits on each side
Extension Down: Have students continue
practicing the forearm pass in their small groups if
they struggle to get the ball over the net

Transition- Teacher will blow their whistle and

students will return to the bleachers in front of the
whiteboard for the closure.

Closure- Go over all information about nitroball

that was learned in class. Ask students about basic
rules, such as number of times in a row to hit the
ball, max number of hits on each side, and if you
can hit the ball out of the air. Ask students about
the important cues related to the forearm and push
pass in nitroball, and questions related to the
different height and angles of the passes (ex. why
might it be useful to bump the ball high in the air?)

T
S

S
S S S S

Transition- Have students go in locker room and

get changed for their next class.

Springfield College Daily Lesson Plan

Name: Michael Grego

Date: 11/2/16

School: Williams Middle School

Facilities: Gymnasium

Time: 11:54-12:41
Lesson #: 2

Class Size: 20

Unit/Theme: Nitroball

Grade: 8

Generic Level: Control/Utilization

Equipment: 4 separate nitroball courts, 4 nitroballs, 1 whistle, 1 whiteboard, 1 speaker

for music
Focus of Lesson: Passing patterns/progressions used in Nitroball gameplay
Student Performance Objectives (SPO):
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

(P) Demonstrate how to pass the Nitroball using a specific game like pattern among other
group members. (S1. M17. 8, MA CF #2.2)
(C) Identify the proper progression that should be used when passing the Nitroball from
the back to the front court. (S2. M8. 8, MA CF #2.2)
(A) Abide to the teachers rules by freezing whenever the whistle is blown during the
entire lesson. (S4. M6. 8, MA CF #2.7)
Check each objective is it specific? Is it achievable? Is it developmentally
appropriate?
Teacher Performance Objectives During the lesson the teacher will:
1. Utilize all four nitroball courts and spread students out among all of them in order
to increase OTRs.
2. Use both student and teacher demonstrations to show students the proper passing
progression used in Nitroball.

3. Incorporate information learned in previous Nitroball lesson as a review to help

improve students understanding of passing patterns/progressions.
Special Considerations What are the safety concerns? What is unique about the
students in this class?
1. Make sure students are properly spaced out on all of the nitroball courts so that
there is an equal number of people per court.
2. Be sure to remind students about important safety hazards during Nitroball
gameplay, such as the basketball hoops, the bleachers, and the ceiling.
References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93gAd3VODmk
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qX-HJrMwMJ5h8TNVShtG8oZEcQDSSus5NfOLiv0D5w/edit?pref=2&pli=1
http://www.gophersport.com/files/pdf/mio_58142_activityinstructions.pdf

TIME

SEQUENCE OF LESSON

0-5:00

Attendance- Students will enter gymnasium

and quickly get changed in the locker room.
Teacher will take attendance as students walk
in gym. Students will then have a seat on
bleachers in front of the whiteboard and wait
for teacher to explain the warm-up activity
for students.

5:008:00

Warm-up- Entourage- Students will

participate in this team building activity,
since it was not performed last class.
Students will pair up and begin by playing
one quick game of rock, paper, scissors with
their partner. The student who loses the game
becomes apart of the winning students
entourage. The goal is for students to
continue winning their games of rock, paper,
scissors and be the last student left with the

ORGANIZATION

REFLECTIONS

S S SSSSSSSSS

SS

SS

Certain 8th grade

classes were off-task
during this activity, had
to redirect them a couple
of times. Even had one
class stop performing
the activity since they

largest entourage. Students who become an

entourage member must be loud and
energetic and cheer their leader on as he or
she plays rock, paper, scissors. After the
activity, students will then return to sit on
bleachers and wait for further instructions.
8:0011:00

SS

SS

SS

SS

S S SS SS

Informing- Teacher will reintroduce himself

to students and explain the focus of the daypassing patterns/progressions used in
Nitroball game play. Remind students about
important rules they need to follow
throughout the lesson:

start and stop signals: Start= Ready,

go Stop= Whistle blows

place all equipment at feet during

lesson when teacher is giving
instructions

Review the two types of passes that are used

during the game of Nitroball:

Bumping: make a platform with arms,

thumbs together, contact ball between
wrist and elbow, bend knees (useful
when ball is at low level)
Setting: make a diamond with hands,
elbows wide, extend arms out when
contacting ball (useful when ball it at
high level)

Inform students about important passing

information that they need to know for
todays lesson:

Goal should be to contact ball so it

goes high in the air, but with control
(why important?)

Stay on your toes, be prepared in

did not seem to be

taking it seriously.

Good informing by
reviewing material that
was learned last class,
had a visual of the court
and information on the
whiteboard for students
to look at.

T
S

S
S S S S
Had these three cues
written on the board for
students to see

11:0012:00

ready position

Progression- bump from back part of

court, set when close to net (why- to
prepare for smash shot)

T
S

12:0020:00
If time, demonstrate the proper progression
with two students and explain how this
relates to game play.

S
S S S S

Transition: Have students line up on a line

based on height (tallest to shortest). Divide
students up into 4 groups so students are
equally spread out on the 4 separate courts.

Activity 2-Triangle Passing Activity:

Students will be practicing using passing
patterns that pertain to the game of Nitroball.
Students will line up in a triangle formation,
with one student near the back of the court,
and two students in the front court. One
student in the front court will toss the ball to
the student in the backcourt, who bumps the
ball to the other student in the front court,
who sets the ball back to the student who
began the triangle passing, who then catches
the ball. Have students repeat the following
progression so they are familiar with the
sequencing:

Modified this activity by

making it a two person
passing activity instead
of a triangle, seemed to
place the students in a
more gamelike situation.

_______________

SS

Toss, bump, set, catch

Other students will stand behind the bumper

and setter and have them take turns
participating in activity. Students will switch
roles throughout the activity so everybody
gets a chance to be the bumper and the setter.
Explain how this is the proper passing
progression that students should be using to

Try to do a better job of

using a quicker
transition

SS

20:0021:00

21:0025:00

give them a better chance to score. Remind

students about the important bumping and
setting cues that they should be using.
Extension Up: Have students try performing
one-handed bumps and sets during triangle
passing activity, have students create a square
and perform the progression of toss, bump,
bump, set, catch
Extension Down: Have students continue
working on the bump and set while passing
in a small group, Use whiteboard to draw and
demonstrate triangle set-up for students or
use cones as guidelines to help students
understand where to stand

_____= net

_________________

Added the extension of

having students perform
a one-handed pass
during the passing
progression activity.

SS

SS
Transition- Students will place equipment at
feet and wait to hear teachers instructions

25:0026:00

26:0036:00

Activity 3- Passing progression challengeStudents will participate in a passing

competition against the other groups on the
other courts. Students will continue to
perform the passing progression of toss,
bump, set, catch in a triangle for one minute
seeing how many times they can successfully
pass the ball in a triangle without a violation
occurring. Remind students about violations
when passing the Nitroball:

Ball bounces ground twice

Ball is hit without it bouncing

_____= net

Classes seem to be
doing much better with
gameplay, especially
now that they are
learning about how to
perform the skill used in
game play. Even saw
some students properly
using the bump, set
progression in game
play

Explain how this is more game-like, as

students will need to be on their toes and
move quickly to try to complete as many
passes as possible in one minute.
Extension Up: Add 4th person to make it a

_________________

square passing competition, Have students

try competition while continuously passing in
a triangle formation

SS

Extension Down: Have students complete

activity again trying to beat previous score
SS
Transition- Students will place equipment at
feet and wait to hear teachers instructions
36:0037:00

37:0040:00

Activity 4- Nitroball Gameplay- Students

will participate in Nitroball Gameplay for the
remainder of the class. Remind students
about the important rules of Nitroball, and
new information on what happens after a
point is scored during game play:

Team who score a point gets to serve

Players rotate clockwise after each

service change

_____= net

Good quick closure was

performed while
students sat in front of
the whiteboard like the
start of class. Received
good participation from
students during the
question and answer
portion at the end of the
lesson.

Encourage students to once again line up in a

formation so some students create the front
line, and others create the back line. Also
encourage students to use the bump, set
progression learned about in class today
40:0045:00

Extension Up: Encourage students to try to

get the nitroball over the net using at least
two hits on each side, Give teams bonus
points if they score after performing a bump,
set, and smash, Rotate teams on different
courts
Extension Down: Have two groups of
students continue working on the passing
progression in Nitroball while the other two
groups continue with gameplay

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S

--------------------------S

|
S

Transition- Teacher will blow their whistle

and students will return to the bleachers for
the closure of the lesson.

|
S

|
Closure- Go over all information about
nitroball that was learned in class. Ask
students about when to use the different
passes on the court during game play (bumpfrom backcourt, set- when close to the net).
Ask students about the proper height they
should use when passing the ball, and the
progression used during passing activities.
Review any other information about Nitroball
gameplay, such as the importance of staying
on your toes and being in ready position.

*lines divided into four courts

Transition- Have students go in locker room

and get changed for their next class.

T
S

S
S S S S

Springfield College Daily Lesson Plan

Name: Michael Grego

Date: 11/9/16

School: Williams Middle School

Facilities: Gymnasium

Time: 12:01-12:46
Lesson #: 3

Class Size: 20

Grade: 8

Unit/Theme: Nitroball

Generic Level: Control/Utilization

Equipment: 4 separate nitroball courts, 4 nitroballs, 1 whistle, 1 whiteboard, 1 speaker

for music, 1 projector, 1 laptop, 8 cones, 12 hula hoops (optional)
Focus of Lesson: Overhand hitting/smash in Nitroball
Student Performance Objectives (SPO):
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

(P) Perform an overhand hit/smash shot at a variety of angles during game like situations.
(S1. M13. 8, MA CF #2.2)
(C) Identify where the Nitroball should be hit in relation to the body prior to performing
an overhand hit/smash shot. (S2. M8. 8, MA CF #2.2)
(A) Respect the rules stated by the teacher by moving along the outside of the courts
when rotating during all activities. (S4. M6. 8, MA CF #2.7)
Check each objective is it specific? Is it achievable? Is it developmentally
appropriate?
Teacher Performance Objectives During the lesson the teacher will:
1. Utilize all four nitroball courts and spread students out among all of them in order
to increase OTRs.
2. Use extensions and modifications to make appropriate adjustments throughout the
lesson when necessary.
3. Incorporate technology to help enhance the grouping portion of the lesson during
the warm-up activity.
Special Considerations What are the safety concerns? What is unique about the
students in this class?
1. Be sure to remind students about important safety hazards during Nitroball
gameplay, such as the basketball hoops, the bleachers, and the ceiling.
2. Make sure students are aware of their surroundings throughout the entire lesson
and aware of other groups performing an overhand hit/smash next to them
References:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93gAd3VODmk
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qX-HJrMwMJ5h8TNVShtG8oZEcQDSSus5NfOLiv0D5w/edit?pref=2&pli=1
http://www.gophersport.com/files/pdf/mio_58142_activityinstructions.pdf

TIME
0-5:00

5:008:00

8:0011:00

SEQUENCE OF LESSON

ORGANIZATION

Attendance- Students will enter gymnasium and

quickly get changed in the locker room. Teacher will
take attendance as students walk in gym. Students
will then have a seat on bleachers in front of the
whiteboard and wait for teacher to explain the warmup activity for students.
Warm-up- Group passing- As soon as students
enter the gym from the locker room, they will report
to the whiteboard. The whiteboard will display an
image of the four Nitroball courts with students
names on it. Students will go to their court and begin
passing the nitroball using the bump and set skills
learned over the past few classes as a warm-up.
Teacher will create groups ahead of time, and
highlight the person who is supposed to get the ball
in each group. Groups will pass the Nitroball in their
groups alternating between using a bump and a set.
After the warm-up, students will have a seat in front
of the whiteboard and wait to hear teachers
instructions.
Informing- Teacher will explain the focus of the
day- overhand hitting/smash in Nitroball. Remind
students about important rules they need to follow
throughout the lesson:

start and stop signals: Start= Ready, go

Stop= Whistle blows

place all equipment at feet during lesson

REFLEC

S S SSSSSSSSS

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S

--------------------------S

*lines divided into four

courts

Premade g
helped thin
smoothly d
warm-up,
knew exac
where they
to go on th
For the cla
with both
and female
a nice job
mixing the
different g
each group

Use good
demonstra
simply per
an overhan
against the
the gymna
This was g
because it

related to t
activity of

when teacher is giving instructions

Teacher will then give cues used for the overhand

hit/smash:
T

Use open hand to contact the ball (no fist)

Strike ball on the way down (in front of head)

Follow through and bring arm down towards

ground

Cues used
open hand
arm back,
opposition
different c
point base
court posit

S
S S S S

11:0012:00

12:0020:00

Be sure to demonstrate how the overhand hit/smash

looks in an actual game by having one student toss
the ball at a high level near the net while the teacher
performs the overhand smash. Explain to students
that they will need to change their hand placement
based on the location of the ball in the air (ex. if it is
off to the side).

Transition: Students will return back to their courts

that they were on for the warm-up for the first
activity.

T
S

S
Activity 1-Overhand hit/smash wall practice:
Students will be divided into two different groups at
their court for the first activity. Students will practice
using the overhand hit/smash by striking the
Nitroball against the wall. One student will be the
tosser while the other student will be the striker. The
tosser will toss the ball high in the air (resembling a
set), then the striker will let the ball bounce off the
ground one time before using the overhand smash to
hit the ball against the wall. The striker will then
retrieve the ball and become the tosser, as partners
take turns in this activity (demonstrate rotation for
groups of 3). Be sure to help students out by giving

Make sure
reinforce s
during this
good job o
cones to g
students a
where stud
should stan
activity

S
S S S S

Used good
progressio
self toss, s
bounce an
partner tos
bounce an

them the guidelines for where they should be striking

the ball against the wall (below the ledge). Make sure
students are spread out so there is enough room for
this activity, so groups are not interfering with each
other. Enforce important safety rules in this activity:
20:0021:00

21:0025:00

Make sure students stand far enough away

from wall

Do not hit certain objects such as the

whiteboard and bleachers in the gym

Tossers use a high, but reasonable toss

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

--------------------------SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

Extension Up: Tosser will bounce the ball high off

the ground and striker will use the overhand
hit/smash to contact the ball towards the wall
Extension Down: Have students get closer to the
wall, have students start off by striking the ball out of
the air, place cones around the gym to specifically
show students where to stand for this activity

Transition- Students will place equipment at feet

and wait to hear teachers instructions

25:0026:00

Activity 2- Passing progression with overhand

hit/smash- Students will now practice using the
overhand hit/smash on the Nitroball courts. Once
again, each court will be divided in half for this
activity. Three students on one side of the court will
be the overhand hitters, while the two students other
students will be the retrievers on the other side of the
court. Two students will perform the progression of
toss, set, and overhand hit on one side. The overhand
hitter will follow their shot and go to the retrieving
side of the court, and the setter becomes the new
overhand hitter. One retriever on the opposite side of
the court will retrieve the ball and bring it back over
to the other side of the court so they can perform the
overhand smash shot progression. Be sure to provide

--------------------------SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

SS

Avoided th
activity sin
would hav
a lengthy
transition,
like this w
an unneces
class disru

26:0036:00

a clear demonstration of the rotation, and have

students go around the outside of the court. Explain
how this is a common progression used in a Nitroball
game to help teams score points. Make sure students
are aware of their surroundings at all times during the
activity, and everyone is performing the overhand
hit/smash on one side of the court at a time.
Extension Up: Have students try to get their
overhand hit/smash shots land inside hula hoops or
knock over cones
Extension Down: Have students continue to work on
using the overhand smash after a toss and a bounce.

S
S

Transition- Students will place equipment at feet

and wait to hear teachers instructions
_________________

36:0037:00

37:0040:00

Activity 3- Nitroball Gameplay- Students will

participate in Nitroball Gameplay for the remainder
of the class. Remind students about the important
rules of Nitroball, and new information on what
happens after a point is scored during game play:

S
S

Team who scores a point gets to serve

Players rotate clockwise after each service
change

Encourage students to line up in a formation that has

the majority of the players on the back line, to give
them more time to hit the ball off of a bounce. Also,
encourage students to set each other up for an
overhand smash shot close to the net, and to have
their smash shots land in the corner of the court.
40:0045:00

Reinforced
rotation, n
rule, and
encourage
the overha
before stud
into game
The extens
having tea
at least tw
before hitt
ball over t
seemed to
more stude
inclusion

Extension Up: Teams must have at least two hits on

each side before the ball can go across the net, Rotate
teams to get other teams playing each other
Extension Down: Have students use a toss instead of

_____= net

Good revie
overhand h
promoted
level think
having stu
consider th
different a
that would
if students
positioned
differently
court.

a serve

Transition- Teacher will blow their whistle and

students will return to the bleachers for the closure of
the lesson.

Closure- Go over all information about Nitroball that

was learned in class. Be sure to review the cues used
to perform an overhand hit/smash shot in Nitroball.
Also, go over the importance of using a set at a high
level in order to help your teammate perform an
overhand hit/smash shot during game play. Go over
the importance of hand placement when performing
the overhand hit/smash depending on the location of
the ball in the air. Review any important safety rules
that were explained during the lesson.

Transition- Have students go in locker room and get

changed for their next class.

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S

S S
-----------------

---------S

|
S

S S
|

S
S

*lines divided into four

courts

T
S
S

S
S

S
S S S S