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Lesson 3 - Serving and Tactical Awareness

Tactical Play Development

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Year 5

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Volleyball

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45 min

Big Question

How can effective serving and positioning give your team the advantage in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop overarm serving technique over increasing distances
To demonstrate tactical awareness in defending and attacking
To understand and apply effective ready positions and communication

Key Outcomes

Students will serve accurately over 10m distance with consistent technique
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making during rallies
Students will communicate effectively with partners during gameplay

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

1 per pair (15)

Check inflation and distribute around court perimeter

Alternative: Large soft balls, beach balls for beginners

Cones

25 (various colours)

Use for court boundaries and target practice

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, small equipment

Sun Markers

4 sets

Create multiple small courts for group work

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines, existing court markings

Key Vocabulary

Overarm serve

A volleyball serve executed with an overhead throwing motion

Ready position

Optimal body position to receive and react to incoming balls

Tactical awareness

Understanding when and how to make strategic decisions during play

Bump

Using forearms together to pass the ball upward and forward

Set

Using fingertips to position the ball for a teammate's attack

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm serving technique
Fundamental bump and set techniques
Basic understanding of court positioning

Current Skills

Overarm serving over distance
Tactical positioning for defence and attack
Partner communication and coordination

Next Steps

Advanced serving placement strategies
Complex team formations and rotations
Game analysis and tactical planning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent overarm serve over 8m

Effective ready position adoption

Clear communication during play

Key Teaching Points

Overarm serve: high contact point and follow-through are essential for distance and accuracy
Ready position: weight on balls of feet, knees bent, eyes focused on server for quick reactions
Communication: clear, positive calls between partners improve rally success significantly
Tactical awareness: positioning and decision-making are as important as technical skills
Progressive challenge: gradually increase serving distance while maintaining technique quality
Cooperative learning: focus on partnership success rather than individual competition
Safety first: controlled technique and appropriate spacing prevent injuries

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: More power equals better serves. Correction: Technique and accuracy are more important than force
Misconception: Ready position is just standing still. Correction: Active, alert positioning enables quick reactions
Misconception: Communication is only needed when problems occur. Correction: Constant communication improves all rallies
Misconception: Volleyball is just about hitting the ball hard. Correction: Control, placement and teamwork create success
Misconception: Perfect technique comes immediately. Correction: Skills develop through progressive practice and patience

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear and simple instructions, regular movement and position changes

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, reduced complexity in multi-step skills, extra practice time for coordination

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedules for activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instructions displayed

physical disability

Seated volleyball options, modified serving techniques, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring serving distances, counting consecutive hits, calculating success rates

Science

Forces in volleyball - trajectory, gravity affecting ball flight, energy transfer

Geography

Spatial awareness, court positioning, direction and movement concepts

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corners of activity area for maximum visibility, move between courts during games

Observation Focus

Watch for serving technique, ready position adoption, communication during rallies

Intervention Points

Step in if technique becomes unsafe, support struggling partnerships, reinforce positive communication

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate serving technique for visibility, show perfect ready position, model positive communication

Verbal Cues

•'Reach high and follow through!'
•'Ready position - knees bent!'
•'Talk to your partner!'
•'Quality over speed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, multiple small courts possible

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate non-slip flooring

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check volleyballs are properly inflated but not over-pressurised
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify court markers are secure and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries from serves
•Collisions between students during movement
•Slips and falls during dynamic movement
•Overexertion during serving practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear serving lanes with adequate spacing between pairs
•Progressive skill building prevents overexertion
•Emphasis on controlled technique over power
•Regular breaks and rotation to prevent fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all serving areas
•Monitor high-activity game zones closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue during intense rallies

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid support, clear area if needed