Lesson 4 - Underarm Serving and Court Games
Partnership to Competition
•Year 2
•Sending and Receiving
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Ensure balls are soft enough for safe indoor play
Alternative: Lightweight volleyballs, beach balls
Place in different areas of court as target zones
Alternative: Marked zones with chalk or tape
Use to mark court boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots
Set at appropriate height for Year 2 (approximately 1.5m)
Alternative: Benches, rope between posts
Simple charts for students to track points
Alternative: Whiteboard, verbal counting
Key Vocabulary
A serving technique where the ball is hit from below using an upward motion
The firm, padded area at the base of the palm used for striking
A specific area of the court players aim to serve the ball into
The system where players take turns serving and change positions
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
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