Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Movement
Volleyball Foundations & Skills
•Year 5
•Volleyball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How does the ready position help us become better volleyball players and defenders in any sport?
Learning Objectives
- To master the ready position and understand its importance in volleyball
- To develop quick movement and reaction skills using the ready position
- To apply the ready position in game-like situations with tactical awareness
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct ready position technique consistently
- Students will move efficiently to intercept balls using proper positioning
- Students will explain when and why the ready position is used in volleyball
Equipment & Resources Required
Use to mark court boundaries (4m x 4m) and activity areas
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines for boundaries
Distributed around activity areas for easy access
Alternative: Volleyballs, beach balls, or large tennis balls
To distinguish teams in games if needed
Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or team markers
Key Vocabulary
A balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, and eyes focused, allowing for quick movement in any direction
A team sport where players use their hands to hit a ball over a net, aiming to make it land in the opponent's court
A throwing technique where the ball is released from below shoulder height with an upward motion
The playing area marked out with boundaries where volleyball is played
To catch or stop a ball that is travelling through the air or along the ground
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching and throwing skills from previous lessons
- Understanding of personal space and movement
- Experience with simple games involving ball skills
Current Skills
- Ready position technique with proper stance
- Quick directional movement from stationary position
- Hand-eye coordination for catching moving balls
- Basic tactical awareness in small-sided games
Next Steps
- Introduction to underarm serving technique
- Development of the dig (defensive pass)
- Understanding court positioning and rotation
- Advanced game tactics and teamwork
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Ready position requires feet apart, knees bent, eyes up - emphasise these three elements consistently
- Movement should come from the legs, not just reaching with arms
- Two-handed catching provides better control and success
- Communication between teammates improves game performance
- Ready position applies to many sports, not just volleyball
- Practice makes permanent - correct technique from the start
- Tactical thinking develops through guided questioning and game experience
Common Misconceptions
- Standing upright is faster than being in ready position - demonstrate the difference in reaction time
- One-handed catches look more skilled - show how two hands provide better control
- Hard throws are better in games - explain how control and placement beat power
- Ready position is only needed when the ball comes to you - show importance of constant readiness
- Volleyball is just about hitting hard - emphasise control, placement and teamwork
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement opportunities, use clear boundaries and structure
dyspraxia
- Simplify movement patterns initially, use larger equipment, provide extra demonstration time, allow additional practice
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow movement breaks if needed, use consistent language and routines
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, pair with sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for starts/stops, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Modify ready position for seated students, use larger/softer balls, adjust court size for wheelchair access, allow rolling instead of throwing
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following instructions, explaining techniques, vocabulary development with sport-specific terms
Maths
Measuring court dimensions, counting catches and scores, understanding angles of movement and ball flight
Science
Forces involved in throwing and catching, gravity's effect on ball flight, balance and centre of gravity in ready position
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others in competitive situations
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around the space to observe all students, spend time with each group during activities
Observation Focus
Watch for correct ready position, safe movement patterns, and positive interaction
Intervention Points
Step in when ready position deteriorates, if competition becomes too intense, or if safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate ready position from multiple angles so all students can see. Exaggerate key points like knee bend and foot position.
Verbal Cues
- •'Ready position!' to prompt correct stance
- •'Soft hands!' for catching preparation
- •'Move your feet!' to encourage positioning
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Indoor hall minimum 15m x 20m or outdoor hard court area with clear boundaries
Surface Check
Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles. Check for any wet patches or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Balls properly inflated but not over-inflated to prevent hard impacts
- •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges before use
- •Equipment stored safely at sides during activities to prevent tripping
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during movement activities
- •Slips and falls on wet surfaces
- •Ball impacts to face or body during catching
- •Tripping over equipment or court markers
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear spacing guidelines between students and groups
- •Underarm throws only to control ball speed and trajectory
- •Emphasis on two-handed catching for better control
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
- •Monitor high-energy activities like knee boxing for appropriate contact
- •Watch for fatigue that might affect coordination and safety
- •Ensure students follow equipment handling procedures
Emergency Procedures
STOP signal halts all activity immediately. First aid kit accessible. Ice packs available for minor impacts. Clear evacuation route maintained.