Lesson 5 - Overarm Attacking Shots
Partnership to Competition
•Year 2
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use powerful attacking shots to win points in sending and receiving games?
Learning Objectives
- Develop overarm attacking shots for volleyball-style games
- Learn the technique and timing of 'spike' shots
- Apply attacking shots effectively in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm attacking technique
- Students will understand when and why to use attacking shots
- Students will work effectively in teams during game activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to each playing area
Alternative: Large soft balls, foam balls for safety
Mark court boundaries and team positions
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Identify different teams clearly
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
A powerful overarm shot aimed downwards to win points
A volleyball attacking shot hit with force from high to low
Throwing or hitting motion with arm raised above shoulder height
Continuous back and forth play between teams
The playing area with clear boundaries
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Students can catch and throw a ball accurately
- Students understand basic court positioning
- Students can work cooperatively in team activities
Current Skills
- Overarm attacking shot technique
- Timing and positioning for attacking shots
- Team coordination in sending and receiving games
Next Steps
- Developing more advanced volleyball techniques
- Playing modified volleyball games with rules
- Strategic placement of attacking shots
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Attacking shots aim to hit ball downwards with power to win points
- Correct arm position: elbow bent 90 degrees, hand high above head
- Contact ball with centre of palm, fingers spread wide for control
- Follow through down to side of body, never touch the net
- Teamwork in passing sequences helps create successful attacking opportunities
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking attacking shots should go upwards like normal throws
- Believing power is more important than technique and accuracy
- Assuming only the strongest students can perform attacking shots effectively
- Thinking attacking shots are the only way to score points in games
- Misunderstanding that technique works same for standing and seated positions
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement opportunities
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time for technique, larger balls for easier contact
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure for activities, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for positioning guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual hand signals for instructions, written technique points on display board, peer support for rule explanations
physical disability
- Seated attacking shot variations, modified equipment and court size, alternative scoring systems
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting successful attacking shots, angles of arm movement and ball trajectory, measuring court dimensions
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity affecting downward shots, muscle coordination in movements
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness on court, understanding of boundaries and areas
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, supporting others and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups to observe technique, stand where all students can see demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for correct attacking shot arm position, teamwork during sequences, safe play near nets
Intervention Points
Step in if attacking shots become unsafe, support struggling students with technique, mediate disputes in games
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, demonstrate both correct and common error examples, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'High to low!'
- •'Spread those fingers!'
- •'Work as a team!'
- •'Down through the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Hall minimum 15m x 20m with 3m clear space around court boundaries
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate indoor flooring
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check volleyballs are properly inflated and undamaged
- •Ensure nets are securely fastened and at correct height
- •Inspect cones for cracks or sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face during attacking shots
- •Collisions near net during rallies
- •Over-stretching during attacking movements
- •Falls during quick movement activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach controlled attacking shots with emphasis on technique over power
- •Maintain safe distances between groups and from walls
- •Emphasise no contact with net during play
- •Use softer balls for students still developing technique
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during activities
- •Monitor attacking shot technique for safety
- •Watch for fatigue during energetic games
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply basic first aid, contact office if serious injury