Lesson 3 - Striking and Volleying
Hand-Eye Coordination Play
•Reception
•Net and Wall
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How can we work together to keep the ball moving in our game?
Learning Objectives
- To develop striking and volleying skills with some degree of accuracy
- To understand how digging underneath the ball helps teammates
- To demonstrate understanding of rules and accept decisions
Key Outcomes
- Students will strike and volley a ball with improved accuracy
- Students will position themselves effectively to receive and return balls
- Students will show good sportsmanship and rule understanding
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in bag near activity area
Alternative: Large foam balls, beach balls for easier handling
Place 5m away from starting positions
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Use for boundaries and net creation
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
Create low nets approximately 1m high
Alternative: Rope between poles, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
To hit the ball with purpose and control
To hit the ball before it bounces on the ground
Getting underneath the ball to hit it high
Balanced stance prepared to move and receive the ball
The part of your arm between wrist and elbow used for hitting
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of taking turns
- Following simple instructions
Current Skills
- Forearm striking technique
- Positioning for ball reception
- Understanding basic net games rules
Next Steps
- More accurate striking over nets
- Understanding court positioning
- Developing tactical awareness
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Correct forearm positioning with hands clasped and thumbs aligned
- Moving feet to get behind and underneath the ball
- Hitting ball upwards rather than forwards for teammate success
- Ready position: weight on balls of feet, watching ball, arms ready
- Cooperative play and accepting decisions with good sportsmanship
- Progressive skill building from individual to partner to group activities
- Safety awareness during striking and movement activities
Common Misconceptions
- Using hands instead of forearms for striking - demonstrate proper forearm contact
- Hitting ball downwards or forwards - emphasise upward striking motion
- Standing still waiting for ball - teach active movement to ball position
- Competing against partner instead of cooperating - reinforce working together
- Getting upset when missing - normalize mistakes as part of learning process
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular position changes, frequent positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, larger equipment, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule, quiet rest areas available when needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards
physical disability
- Adapted striking positions, seated volleying options, modified equipment sizes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting consecutive volleys, measuring distances to hoops, angles of ball flight
Science
Forces in ball striking, gravity affecting ball flight, energy transfer in impacts
Geography
Direction and positioning on court, spatial awareness and mapping movement
PSHE
Cooperation and teamwork, accepting decisions, celebrating others' success, resilience
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position centrally for demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct forearm technique, safe movement patterns, positive social interactions
Intervention Points
Step in if technique is unsafe, children are struggling with rules, or negative behaviour occurs
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve children in demonstrations, repeat key techniques multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Forearms together, hit UP!'
- •'Move your feet to the ball!'
- •'Ready position - on your toes!'
- •'Great sportsmanship!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, indoor hall or outdoor court area
Surface Check
Non-slip surface free from water, check for obstacles or hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft volleyballs appropriate for age group
- •Cones with no sharp edges
- •Hoops securely placed and visible
- •Net barriers at appropriate height (1m)
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face or body
- •Collisions during running games
- •Tripping over equipment
- •Overexertion in warm-up activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Use appropriately sized soft balls
- •Establish clear boundaries and movement patterns
- •Ensure adequate spacing between activities
- •Teach safe striking technique away from face
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups
- •Move between activities to monitor technique
- •Pay special attention during net game rotations
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required