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Lesson 3 - Striking and Volleying

Coordination & Partner Play

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Year 1

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Net and Wall

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45 min

Big Question

How can we strike and volley a ball to help our teammates succeed?

Learning Objectives

To strike and volley a ball with some degree of accuracy
To dig a ball by getting underneath it effectively
To understand how high digs create opportunities for teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate striking and volleying techniques with improved accuracy
Students will show understanding of team positioning and strategy
Students will accept rules and decisions positively during games

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Balloon balls, beach balls for beginners

Cones

20-30

Used for boundaries, nets, and target areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Hoops

6-8

Placed 5m from striking positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Nets

2-3 sets

Set up across playing areas at appropriate height

Alternative: Cone barriers, benches on their side

Key Vocabulary

Strike

To hit the ball with controlled force using forearms

Volley

To hit the ball before it bounces on the ground

Dig

Getting underneath the ball to lift it upwards

Ready position

Balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet

Rally

Keeping the ball in play between players or teams

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills from previous units
Understanding of simple game rules
Experience working with partners

Current Skills

Striking and volleying with forearms
Digging technique for ball control
Ready position and movement to the ball

Next Steps

More complex striking techniques
Team tactics and positioning
Advanced game situations and rule application

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with the ball using forearms

Movement to get behind and underneath the ball

Positive attitude towards rules and decisions

Key Teaching Points

Forearm striking technique with proper hand position is fundamental to success
Movement to get behind the ball is crucial for accurate volleys
Ready position with weight on balls of feet enables quick reactions
High digs and volleys give teammates more time to respond
Accepting rules and decisions positively enhances everyone's enjoyment
Communication and encouragement strengthen team performance
Controlled power is more effective than maximum force in net games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than accuracy in striking - emphasise controlled technique
Believing only the most skilled students can be successful - highlight effort and improvement
Assuming rules are restrictive rather than enabling fair play - explain their positive purpose
Focusing only on individual success rather than team cooperation - promote collaborative achievement
Expecting immediate mastery of complex skills - celebrate incremental progress and learning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, use movement breaks between activities

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment initially, provide extra practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and structure, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if needed during games

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured or textured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Adapt striking technique for different mobility levels, use larger/lighter balls, modify distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with technical terms, communication during partner and team activities

Maths

Counting consecutive volleys, measuring distances to targets, calculating scores and improvements

Science

Forces and motion in ball striking, angle and trajectory of volleys, gravity effects on ball flight

PSHE

Fair play and rule acceptance, working cooperatively, managing emotions during competition

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity area to observe all students, position near less confident groups for support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct forearm technique, safe movement patterns, positive attitudes towards rules

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, unsafe play, or poor sportsmanship behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve confident students in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Move your feet to get behind the ball!'
•'Forearms together, thumbs pointing forward!'
•'Strike upwards to help your partner!'
•'Bend those knees for more power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area, minimum 20m x 30m for full class activities

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from obstacles, adequate drainage if outdoors

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft volleyballs or foam balls appropriate for age group
•Cones with rounded edges, securely placed
•Nets at appropriate height to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or face during volleying practice
•Collisions between students moving to retrieve balls
•Trips or falls on equipment or wet surfaces

Risk Mitigation

•Use soft balls appropriate for Year 1 age group
•Emphasise upward volleying technique, not hitting at others
•Maintain adequate spacing between working pairs and groups
•Clear equipment collection and storage protocols

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during game activities
•Monitor technique to ensure safe ball contact
•Intervene quickly if unsafe behaviour observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, follow school procedures for incident reporting