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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Movement

Volleyball Foundations & Skills

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Year 5

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Volleyball

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Big Question

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

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries (4m x 4m) and activity areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines for boundaries

Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around activity areas for easy access

Alternative: Volleyballs, beach balls, or large tennis balls

Bibs

15 (optional)

To distinguish teams in games if needed

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

A balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, and eyes focused, allowing for quick movement in any direction

Volleyball

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

Underarm Throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released from below shoulder height with an upward motion

Court

The playing area marked out with boundaries where volleyball is played

Intercept

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

Consistent ready position without prompting

Smooth transition from ready position to movement

Successful ball interception in game situations

Demonstration of tactical thinking in games

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.