Looking for a quick, printable volleyball dig assessment that actually works in a real PE class? This free resource gives you a teacher observation sheet and a student self-assessment you can use in 8–12 minutes (or as a 5–7 minute quick check). It’s designed for middle school and high school PE (Grades 6–12) and helps you assess both skill technique and simple game-ready habits like communication and control.
✅ Free classroom content in this post
🧾 Want the printable documents? Grab the downloadable sheets on Teachers Pay Teachers
$4.99 $2
- Self assessment
- Observation sheet
- Set up
- High school
- Middle School
What you’ll assess (and why it matters)
A strong dig (forearm pass) is the foundation for everything that follows in volleyball—set, attack, and rally play. This assessment focuses on what teachers can actually see quickly:
Ready position and moving to the ball (feet first)
Platform and clean forearm contact
Angle and control (no wild swings)
Accuracy to a target
Communication and teamwork (“Mine” + respectful feedback)
Set up: Partner Toss → Dig to Target
Put students in pairs facing each other.
One student uses an underhand toss to the passer.
The passer performs a dig aiming for a target (hoop, cone, marked zone).
Assess 10 attempts per student, then switch roles.
Grades and setup
Grades: 6–12
Time: 8–12 minutes (quick check: 5–7)
Equipment: volleyballs, cones, optional hoop/target
Distance guide:
Middle School: 10–16 ft
High School: 16–23 ft
(Adjust based on your space and skill level.)
Assessment criteria
Use these criteria to score students on a 1–4 scale and check what you see consistently (about 7/10 attempts).
A) Performance score (1–4)
1 — Beginning: inconsistent platform/contact, limited control
2 — Developing: some correct reps, inconsistent footwork or targeting
3 — Proficient: usually ready, solid platform, controlled direction
4 — Advanced: consistent control + accurate targeting + strong habits
B) What to look for (quick checklist)
Ready & move: low ready position, moves feet to get behind the ball
Platform & contact: flat platform, contacts on forearms (not hands)
Angle & control: sends ball up/forward, controlled contact (no swing)
Accuracy: hits the target zone consistently
Communication: calls “Mine,” gives respectful feedback
Student self-assessment
Have students rate themselves using:
1 Not yet | 2 Sometimes | 3 Usually | 4 Always
“I can start in a low, athletic ready position.”
“I can move my feet to get behind the ball.”
“I can make a flat platform with my forearms.”
“I can angle my platform to send the ball toward a target.”
“I can communicate (‘Mine’) and work with my partner.”
1-minute reflection:
My strength today: _________
My one improvement cue: ☐ Feet early ☐ Flat platform ☐ Angle to target ☐ Call “Mine”
Common mistakes (and quick fixes)
Reaching instead of moving: “Feet first—get behind it.”
Bending elbows: “Arms straight—strong platform.”
Wild swings: “Quiet arms—controlled contact.”
No direction: “Angle your platform to the target.”
Make it easier (MS) or harder (HS)
Middle School modifications
Shorter distance, higher/slower toss
Larger target zone
Allow “catch and reset” between reps if needed
High School modifications
Increase distance, vary toss location (left/right)
Smaller target (hoop or cone)
Add “read & move” (toss to different zones)
Get the printable documents (Teacher sheet + Student sheet)
All the teaching steps above are free in this post.
If you want the clean printable documents (ready to print and use tomorrow), you can get them here:
👉 Download on Teachers Pay Teachers:
$4.99 $2
- Self assessment
- Observation sheet
- Set up
- High school
- Middle School
FAQ
Is this good for beginners?
Yes. Use the middle school modifications (shorter distance + bigger target) and focus on footwork + platform first.
How do I grade quickly with 30 students?
Assess half the class while the other half is tossing/collecting. Rotate after 5 attempts. You can score a student in 15–20 seconds once the drill is running.
Do I need nets?
No. This is a skill-focused assessment that works in any gym.
