Lesson 5 - Rally Skills & Tactics
Volleyball Foundations & Skills
•Year 5
•Volleyball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use different shots to keep a volleyball rally going?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to rally over the net using appropriate shot selection
- To understand when to use different volleyball techniques (volley vs dig)
- To apply tactical decision-making in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct technique for both volley and dig shots
- Students will select appropriate shots based on ball height and position
- Students will successfully participate in extended rallies using teamwork
Equipment & Resources Required
Set at appropriate height for Year 5 (2.1m), ensure nets are taut
Alternative: Rope or badminton nets at lowered height
Properly inflated, check for damage before use
Alternative: Soft volleyballs or beach balls for beginners
Various colours for different activities and court marking
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
Continuous play where teams hit the ball back and forth over the net without it touching the floor
A two-handed overhead shot used when the ball is high, played with fingertips
A defensive shot using joined forearms to return low balls
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready
Choosing the most appropriate technique based on ball height and position
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ready position and movement
- Introduction to underarm serving
- Basic ball handling skills
Current Skills
- Volley technique for high balls
- Dig technique for low balls
- Shot selection based on ball trajectory
- Cooperative rally building
Next Steps
- Advanced setting techniques
- Spike attacks
- Defensive positioning and movement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position is the foundation for all successful shots
- Shot selection depends on ball height - volley high, dig low
- Move feet to position body under the ball before playing shot
- Communication and teamwork are essential for successful rallies
- Accuracy and control are more important than power
- Support teammates and maintain positive attitude during challenges
- Watch the ball from opponent's contact point to predict direction
Common Misconceptions
- Students think power is more important than accuracy - emphasise control and placement
- Belief that only one person should play each ball - teach sharing and communication
- Assumption that all shots should be played the same way - reinforce shot selection concepts
- Thinking ready position is only needed at start - emphasise return to ready position after each shot
- Misconception that competition means individual success - promote team achievements
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, use positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of movements, provide extra practice time
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules, offer quiet space if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, use sound cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards
physical disability
- Modify rules for seated play, use lighter balls, adjust net height or remove net entirely
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication during games, giving clear instructions, listening and following directions
Maths
Counting consecutive rally hits, calculating team scores, measuring court distances and net heights
Science
Forces and motion in ball trajectory, gravity effects on ball flight, physics of ball contact
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, handling pressure and competition, supporting others through challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between courts to observe all groups, position at corner for maximum visibility during rallies
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ready position, appropriate shot selection, and safe movement patterns
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with shot selection, unsafe play, or team cooperation issues
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in demonstrating concepts
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position first!'
- •'Watch the ball from their hands!'
- •'High ball - volley! Low ball - dig!'
- •'Move your feet to the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large indoor hall or outdoor court area minimum 30m x 20m
Surface Check
Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check volleyball nets are properly secured and at correct height
- •Inspect balls for proper inflation and surface damage
- •Ensure cones are not cracked or have sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or face during volleys
- •Collisions between students during rally activities
- •Overexertion during competitive challenges
- •Falls when moving quickly to reach balls
Risk Mitigation
- •Teach proper ball tracking and protective positioning
- •Establish clear court boundaries and movement patterns
- •Monitor intensity levels and provide rest periods
- •Emphasise controlled movement over speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups simultaneously
- •Focus on high-activity areas during rally challenges
- •Monitor student fatigue levels throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact medical support if needed