🏐

Lesson 2 - Fast Catch Volley Development

Volleyball Foundations & Skills

•

Year 5

•

Volleyball

•

Big Question

How can quick reactions and positioning help us control the ball effectively in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop the fast catch volley technique with improved reaction time
To understand and apply positioning skills for effective ball interception
To demonstrate tactical awareness in volleyball game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will catch balls consistently before they bounce using correct technique
Students will demonstrate understanding of ready position and its importance
Students will apply catching and throwing skills under pressure in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

6 (or alternatives)

Set at appropriate height for Year 5 (2.2m recommended)

Alternative: Badminton nets, rope between posts, chalk lines on wall

Balls

Soft playground balls reduce fear and injury risk

Alternative: Volleyballs, beach balls for beginners, tennis balls for advanced

Base Stations

Used for court boundaries and warm-up activities

Alternative: Spots, markers, chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Essential for 4v4 game identification

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, armbands

Key Vocabulary

Fast catch volley

Quickly catching and returning the ball before it bounces to maintain game flow

Ready position

Athletic stance with feet apart, knees bent, eyes on ball, ready to move in any direction

Set position

Catching the ball above the head with hands in ball shape, forming triangle with fingers

High point catching

Intercepting the ball at the highest possible point to maintain control

Court awareness

Understanding your position and the space around you on the volleyball court

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills from Year 4
Understanding of ready position in sports
Experience with simple net games

Current Skills

Fast catch volley technique
High point catching above the head
Tactical positioning and movement
Game application under pressure

Next Steps

Introduction to proper volleyball serving technique
Advanced tactical play with set plays
Competitive volleyball with official rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching before ball bounces

Correct 'set' position maintained

Tactical decision making evident in games

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is the foundation - feet apart, knees bent, eyes on ball
Move your feet to position underneath the ball, don't reach with arms
Catch in 'set' position above the head with hands in ball shape
Quick decision making under time pressure maintains game flow
Tactical passing creates space and opportunities to score points
Communication with teammates is essential for successful volleyball
Technique must be maintained even under competitive pressure

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you can catch effectively without moving your feet to position
Believing catching lower down is easier - high point catching gives more control
Assuming individual skill is more important than team cooperation
Thinking fast means losing technique - speed and accuracy must combine
Believing volleyball is just about hitting hard - placement and tactics are crucial

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, reduced complexity initially, extra practice time for motor skills

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines, visual rule charts, quiet zones available between activities

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of techniques, hand signals for game rules, written instruction cards

physical disability

Seated volleyball options, modified net heights, larger balls for easier handling

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting catches and scores, measuring court dimensions, calculating team rotations

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction time and reflexes, teamwork dynamics

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, court mapping and boundaries

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competition pressure, supporting teammates

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all groups, position for quick intervention

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development, safety compliance, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, technique corrections, or rule clarifications

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, involve students in demonstrations, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Catch in the clouds!'
•'Quick hands, soft ball!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m with multiple court areas, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for quick movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check nets are securely fastened at correct height
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for age group
•Verify boundary markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions with nets or posts
•Falls during quick directional changes
•Ball impact injuries from hard throws
•Overexertion during competitive games

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around all courts
•Emphasis on controlled, accurate throws
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Regular reminders about net safety

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor net areas for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical officer if needed