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Lesson 5 - Advanced Spiking and Game Tactics

Tactical Play Development

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Year 5

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How can we use unpredictable movement and tactical awareness to outwit our opponents in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop the ability to spike effectively from different court positions and angles
To understand and apply tactical positioning and movement patterns in volleyball
To demonstrate effective teamwork and communication during competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will execute controlled spikes following high sets from various court positions
Students will demonstrate understanding of volleyball tactics through positioning and decision-making
Students will work collaboratively showing leadership, encouragement and strategic thinking

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

1 (height 2.24m)

Distribute around court perimeter for easy access during rotations

Alternative: Size 4 footballs or large soft balls for modified play

Throwing Balls

12-15 balls

Place in containers at side positions for Boulders warm-up

Alternative: Bean bags or tennis balls for warm-up activity

Markers Cones

12 cones

Mark clear court boundaries and serving areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or rope boundaries

Tablets

1 device

Ensure charged and ready for filming assessment evidence

Alternative: Smartphone with video capability

Key Vocabulary

Spike

A powerful downward attack hit, usually from above the net

Set

An accurate pass positioned high near the net for a teammate to spike

Block

Defensive move jumping with arms raised to deflect opponent's spike

Approach

The running movement pattern used to build momentum for a spike

Dig

A defensive pass using forearms to play a ball close to the ground

Rotation

The clockwise movement of players around court positions when gaining serve

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball serve and receive techniques
Understanding of court positioning and basic rules
Experience with setting and basic spiking movements
Ability to work in small groups cooperatively

Current Skills

Advanced spiking technique with approach and timing
Tactical awareness in defensive and offensive positioning
Effective team communication and role allocation
Blocking and counter-attacking strategies

Next Steps

Complex game strategies and formations
Advanced serve techniques and placement
Tournament play with officiating responsibilities
Leadership roles in coaching younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistently times approach for spike at peak of jump

Demonstrates understanding by explaining tactics to others

Shows leadership in organising team positions and strategy

Can adapt playing style based on opponent analysis

Key Teaching Points

Spike timing requires watching the set trajectory before starting approach run
Three-step approach pattern (left-right-left) creates optimal jumping power for right-handed players
Tactical unpredictability comes from varied approach angles and setter decision-making
Effective blocking requires reading the setter's intentions and positioning accordingly
Team communication prevents collisions and creates tactical opportunities
Quality technique must be maintained even when adding tactical complexity
Leadership roles within teams enhance overall performance and engagement

Common Misconceptions

Thinking approach speed is more important than timing - timing with the set is crucial
Believing all spikes should be from straight-ahead approach - diagonal creates better angles
Assuming blockers should always jump - reading and positioning often more effective
Thinking setter should always set to best spiker - unpredictability is tactically superior
Believing communication should only happen during breaks - continuous communication needed
Assuming tactics are too complex for Year 5 - age-appropriate tactical awareness is achievable

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear physical boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Slower skill progression, visual markers for positioning, simplified movement patterns, additional practice time

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones for breaks, predictable rotation patterns

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured volleyballs, provide verbal descriptions of court positions, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, vibrant visual markers

physical disability

Modified court size, seated volleyball variations, adjusted net height, adapted equipment with larger/lighter balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of approach and attack, timing calculations, rotation patterns and sequences, scoring systems and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in jumping and spiking, trajectory and physics of ball flight, biomechanics of approach and arm swing

Geography

Court positioning and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, tactical formations and positioning

PSHE

Leadership roles and responsibility, teamwork and cooperation, managing competitive emotions, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively around groups during practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for spike timing and approach technique, monitor tactical decision-making, assess teamwork and communication quality

Intervention Points

["Step in when approaches become unsafe or uncontrolled", "Provide additional support for groups struggling with coordination", "Challenge advanced groups with complex tactical scenarios", "Address inappropriate competitive behaviour immediately"]

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion technique breakdown followed by full-speed demonstration, involve students in demonstrations to show variety, emphasise safety aspects clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the set, then start your approach!'
•'Jump up, hit down!'
•'Call it early and loud!'
•'Read the setter's eyes!'
•'Quality over speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 15m court space, clear of obstacles with 2m safety zones around boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for jumping and sudden direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check volleyballs are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure net is secure and at appropriate height (2.24m)
•Soft balls for warm-up activity must be appropriate size and weight
•Cones and markers stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between spikers during simultaneous approaches
•Injury from landing incorrectly after jumps
•Ball strikes during throwing activities
•Net contact or entanglement during play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing protocols for approach runs established
•Progressive skill building before full-speed activities
•Emphasis on controlled landings after all jumps
•Communication requirements for coordination
•Safe throwing technique demonstrated and enforced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during complex movement activities
•Monitor high-activity areas during 3v3 games closely
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Ensure adequate rest between high-intensity activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed