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Lesson 6 - Game Application Skills

Tactical Play Development

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Year 5

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Volleyball

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56 min

Big Question

How can I use tactical awareness and the tip shot to outsmart my opponents in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply the tip shot technique in game situations
To demonstrate tactical awareness in 6v6 volleyball games
To show understanding of rotation and formation principles

Key Outcomes

Students will execute effective tip shots with good timing and placement
Students will apply all volleyball skills cohesively in full-sided games
Students will demonstrate school games values throughout gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

2 (for multiple courts)

Distribute around court perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Lightweight balls or beach volleyballs for easier handling

Coloured Cones

16 (4 each of 4 colours)

4 corners for assessment formation, others for court boundaries

Alternative: Spots or markers in different colours

Video Device

1 (tablet or smartphone)

Positioned for optimal court coverage during filming

Alternative: Assessment observation sheets if recording not available

Key Vocabulary

Tip shot

A soft attack shot that redirects the ball just over the net with minimal force

Rotation

The clockwise movement of players to new positions when gaining serve

Formation

The strategic positioning of players for attack or defence

Dig

A defensive skill used to recover low, hard-driven balls

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and where to use specific skills for maximum effectiveness

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic serve, bump, and set techniques from previous lessons
Understanding of court positions and basic rules
Experience with spike technique and net play

Current Skills

Advanced tip shot technique and tactical application
Full game play with rotation and positioning
Integration of all volleyball skills in competitive situations

Next Steps

Tournament-style volleyball competition
Advanced blocking and defensive strategies
Leadership roles in coaching younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistent tip shot execution under pressure

Fluid movement between attack and defence

Clear tactical communication with teammates

Key Teaching Points

Tip shot success depends on timing and gentle finger contact, not power
Tactical awareness means reading the game and choosing appropriate shots
Team communication is essential for effective rotation and positioning
School games values should be demonstrated throughout competitive play
Progressive skill building leads to confident game application
Self-reflection and peer recognition enhance learning and character development
Connection to community volleyball opportunities encourages lifelong participation

Common Misconceptions

Tip shots need power - actually require gentle, precise finger contact
Rotation happens after every point - only occurs when gaining serve
All attacking shots should be spikes - tip shots are equally valuable tactically
Individual brilliance wins games - teamwork and communication are more important
Advanced skills are too difficult for Year 5 - appropriate progressions make them accessible

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break skills into shorter practice segments, provide regular movement breaks, use clear boundaries and immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, slower balls for easier tracking, provide extra practice time for tip shot coordination, simplify movement patterns initially

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson activities, create quiet zone for breaks if needed, use consistent routine and verbal cues

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured volleyballs with bells inside, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, assign sighted buddy for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for rotation and game rules, ensure student can see teacher demonstrations, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Modify tip shot to seated or standing position without jumping, adjust net height for wheelchair users, use lighter balls for easier handling

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating angles for tip shot placement, measuring court dimensions, counting rotations and game statistics

Science

Forces and motion in volleyball skills, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, body mechanics in jumping

Geography

Court orientation and positioning, spatial awareness and movement patterns, understanding of angles and directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership development, self-confidence building, resilience in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between groups during skills practice, position centrally during games for optimal observation

Observation Focus

Watch for tip shot timing and technique, assess tactical decision-making in games, monitor team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with tip shot timing, support teams having difficulty with rotation, address any safety concerns immediately

Demonstration Notes

Show tip shot technique slowly first, then at game speed. Highlight successful students for peer learning. Use video footage to support assessment judgements.

Verbal Cues

•'Gentle touch with fingertips!'
•'Time your run to the ball!'
•'Communicate with your team!'
•'Think tactically - where are the defenders?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 18m x 9m court per 12 students, with 2m clearance around perimeter

Surface Check

Non-slip surface essential, check for any wet areas or loose equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check volleyball net tension and height (2.1m for Year 5)
•Inspect balls for proper inflation and no damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during approach runs for tip shots
•Finger injuries from incorrect ball contact
•Falls during jumping and landing

Risk Mitigation

•Clear approach paths established for tip shot practice
•Emphasise controlled jumping and safe landing technique
•Progressive skill building from stationary to full movement
•Adequate spacing between courts and groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility during tip shot practice
•Monitor high-activity areas during 6v6 games
•Watch for appropriate competitive intensity

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed