Youth who participate in SPIKES® will learn the basics of volleyball: forearm and overhead passing, attacking, serving, and basic team movement.  Depending on age, game play is modified to ensure that every athlete is involved with each play, ensuring maximum learning.  Also, the game environment is modified to increase early success, improving the enjoyability and fun factor for all involved.
In addition to the technical elements of the game, youth are immersed in the other side of our team-based sport:  clear communication, being supportive of teammates, and good sportsmanship.  By spending time encouraging these elements through the drills and activities, it is our hope that SPIKES® will foster youth who are not only passionate about the game, but recognize the value of being a respectful and supportive teammate, as well.

SPIKES® is run by OVA Clubs, and community groups, throughout the province. Check out our schedule page to find a SPIKES® program in your community.  If there is not a SPIKES® program near you – launch SPIKES® for the youth in your area!  Our Launch SPIKES® page gives you information on how we make this simple and rewarding  for you.

The SPIKES® program was initiated by an Ontario Trillium Foundation grant. We are very thankful for their financial support, as it has assisted us in bringing this phenomenal program to the people of Ontario.  Additionally, we have two wonderful program sponsors:  MIKASA, and VSP Sports.  Much thanks to all of our partners for making this program possible.

Photo from Hespeler Scorpions Fall SPIKES!

SPIKES® and the Ontario Volleyball Association are proud to be an Umbrella Organization of HIGH FIVE®. Our organization values children and is committed to making sure that all of our programs are designed and delivered in a way that respects and nurtures children, and helps them be the best they can be.  Our Clinicians are all trained in HIGH FIVE® Sport. 

HIGH FIVE® is a quality assurance standard for children's recreation and sport. Parks and Recreation Ontario (PRO) began developing HIGH FIVE® in 1994 to value children and acknowledge the impact of recreation and sport on children in middle childhood. 

HIGH FIVE® is a national Quality Assurance standard, designed to assist children and parents along the path of healthy development.  Through the training of SPIKES® Clinicians and the provision of tools for OVA staff to assess best practices and overall program quality, recreation and sport programs will offer program excellence that focuses on quality, and the child first approach.

For more information on the HIGH FIVE® standard program or the training, resources and tools, visit www.HIGHFIVE.org

Photo from Hespeler Scorpions Beach SPIKES!