🏐

Lesson 5 - Rally Skills & Tactics

Volleyball Foundations & Skills

•

Year 5

•

Volleyball

•

Big Question

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

Volleyballs

Set at appropriate height for Year 5 (2.1m), ensure nets are taut

Alternative: Rope or badminton nets at lowered height

Balls

Properly inflated, check for damage before use

Alternative: Soft volleyballs or beach balls for beginners

Cones

Various colours for different activities and court marking

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Rally

Continuous play where teams hit the ball back and forth over the net without it touching the floor

Volley

A two-handed overhead shot used when the ball is high, played with fingertips

Dig

A defensive shot using joined forearms to return low balls

Ready Position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, hands ready

Shot Selection

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

Maintains rally for 6+ consecutive hits

Correctly selects volley vs dig 80% of the time

Demonstrates fluid movement to the ball

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