The Foothills School Division is moving into its third semester of Triple Ball.

Triple Ball was introduced by the Foothills Athletic Council as a way to easily transition grade seven students into Volleyball through a more controlled environment.

The name came from the structure of the game which is played in sequences of three rallies. The first rally is introduced by the server, the second is a tossed ball given to the receiving team, and the third is tossed to the serving team.

Cindy Frisk, teacher at Cayley School says the game gives kids a way to get to know the fundamentals of Volleyball in a more controlled way.

"What that allows the athletes to do is to understand the game of volleyball and be able to transition more fluidly from offence to defence. It's more of a controlled game."

She says it seems to be a hit with students.

"I think overall it's been a success. Our teams seem to be having fun. The number of teams has increased in the past couple years. In fact, this year we have twelve girls teams and eight boys teams, which is up from last year."

Frisk says some parents seem apprehensive at first, though they soon warm to the idea after getting to know the game.

"One thing we've done at Cayley school which has been a huge eye opener for our parents, is at the end of the season, inviting them to come and play the teams in a fun challenge. Many of the parents, after playing, have felt reassured that their athletes are getting what is best for them in this moment of time."

The game is also designed to give students a chance to try different positions on the team, as well as to keep rallies going longer.

Frisk says the game is very effective at encouraging more well rounded athletes, and ensuring students aren't pigeon holed into playing only one position.

 

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