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Lesson 4 - Underarm Serving and Court Games

Partnership to Competition

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Year 2

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Sending and Receiving

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use different parts of our hand to send the ball accurately to where we want it to go?

Learning Objectives

To develop underarm serving technique using the hand
To accurately serve the ball to specified areas of the court
To apply serving skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct underarm serving technique from the hand
Students will serve with increasing accuracy to target areas
Students will play cooperatively in team games using serving skills

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

1 per pair (15)

Ensure balls are soft enough for safe indoor play

Alternative: Lightweight volleyballs, beach balls

Hoops

Place in different areas of court as target zones

Alternative: Marked zones with chalk or tape

Cones

12-16

Use to mark court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots

Barriers

2-3

Set at appropriate height for Year 2 (approximately 1.5m)

Alternative: Benches, rope between posts

Score Sheets

1 per team

Simple charts for students to track points

Alternative: Whiteboard, verbal counting

Key Vocabulary

Underarm serve

A serving technique where the ball is hit from below using an upward motion

Heel of hand

The firm, padded area at the base of the palm used for striking

Target zone

A specific area of the court players aim to serve the ball into

Service rotation

The system where players take turns serving and change positions

Court boundaries

The lines that mark the edges of the playing area

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
Experience with simple target games

Current Skills

Underarm serving technique from the hand
Serving to specified areas
Playing competitive games with serving

Next Steps

Advanced serving techniques with implements
Tactical awareness in net games
Complex game situations requiring decision-making

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with ball using heel of hand

Ball travels in intended direction 6 out of 10 attempts

Demonstrates understanding of game rules and scoring

Key Teaching Points

Underarm serving technique using heel of hand with straight arm action
Progressive skill development from short distances to target accuracy
Game application maintaining proper technique under pressure
Inclusive approach allowing throwing for developing students
Positive team dynamics and fair play throughout activities
Safety consciousness with soft balls and controlled serving power
Self-reflection and goal setting for continued improvement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking harder serving is always better - emphasise control and accuracy over power
Using open palm instead of heel of hand - demonstrate firm contact point clearly
Believing you must serve perfectly immediately - stress progressive learning and practice
Assuming all students develop at same rate - celebrate individual progress and improvement
Focusing only on winning rather than skill development - emphasise learning and participation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, additional practice time, larger equipment, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet spaces available, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning and scoring

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for scoring and rules, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated serving options, modified distances, larger target areas, alternative ball sizes if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, describing technique and feelings, using sport-specific vocabulary correctly

Science

Understanding forces and movement, exploring how ball height affects flight path, body mechanics in serving action

Mathematics

Counting points and scores, recognising different point values for target zones, addition and subtraction in scoring systems

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, taking turns fairly, encouraging others, dealing with winning and losing

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear view of all serving areas and game courts, move around to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Serving technique development and consistency; Safe and controlled serving power; Cooperation and fair play in teams; Understanding and application of game rules

Intervention Points

["Step in if serving becomes unsafe or too powerful", "Support students struggling with technique", "Mediate any disputes over rules or scoring", "Modify game requirements if standing proves too difficult"]

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve students in demonstrations, provide positive examples of good technique and sportsmanship

Verbal Cues

•'Heel of hand, straight arm!'
•'Aim carefully before you serve!'
•'Great serving technique, keep that up!'
•'Remember your 3 passes before sending back!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 10m clear space, suitable for standing volleyball court

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Foam balls only - check for damage before use
•Net securely fastened at appropriate height
•Hoops and cones checked for sharp edges
•Clear boundaries marked to prevent collisions

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impacts during serving practice
•Collisions during standing game
•Overexertion from increased activity level
•Net entanglement or trips

Risk Mitigation

•Only soft foam balls used throughout lesson
•Clear serving directions and safe zones established
•Progressive skill building before full game
•Adequate spacing maintained between students
•Option to return to sitting game if standing proves too challenging

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all serving areas
•Monitor technique to prevent unsafe serving
•Watch for signs of fatigue during standing game
•Ensure fair play and positive interactions

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, ensure other students are safe