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Lesson 6 - Underarm Serve Mastery

Volleyball Foundations & Skills

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Year 5

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How can we develop a consistent underarm serve to gain tactical advantage in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop and refine the underarm serve technique
To apply serving tactics in game situations
To demonstrate consistent serving accuracy under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will perform underarm serves with increasing consistency
Students will select appropriate serving placement tactically
Students will demonstrate understanding of serving rules and tactics

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

Set nets at appropriate height for Year 5 (2.2m), ensure secure and safe

Alternative: Rope tied between posts, badminton nets lowered to 2.2m height

Cones

Use for court boundaries, target areas, and distance markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk marks

Balls

One ball per pair for practice activities, ensure appropriate bounce and weight

Alternative: Volleyball-size foam balls, beach balls for beginners

Bibs

For distinguishing teams during games and activities

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Underarm serve

A volleyball serve performed by hitting the ball with an underarm motion, striking underneath the ball

Service line

The back boundary line of the volleyball court from which players must serve

Tactical placement

Deliberately serving the ball to specific areas to make it difficult for opponents to return

Contact point

The exact spot where the hand or fist makes contact with the ball during the serve

Follow through

The continuation of the arm movement after making contact with the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of underarm hitting action
Knowledge of volleyball court layout and net height

Current Skills

Underarm serve technique development
Serving accuracy and consistency
Tactical serving placement

Next Steps

Advanced serving techniques (float serve)
Serve reception and defensive strategies
Complex volleyball tactics and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact under the ball

Ball clearing the net regularly

Ability to place serves in target areas

Key Teaching Points

Contact point underneath the ball is crucial for successful lift over net
Straight arm swing generates power and accuracy better than bent arm
Tactical serving placement away from opponents creates strategic advantage
Consistent technique is more important than maximum power
Follow through direction determines ball flight path
Progressive practice builds confidence and skill development
Game application reinforces technique under pressure

Common Misconceptions

Hitting on top of ball will make it go over net - correct by emphasising underneath contact
More power always equals better serves - emphasise control and placement over force
Serving technique doesn't matter in games - reinforce technique maintenance under pressure
Only one serving method works for everyone - allow choice between fist and open hand
Serving is just about getting ball over net - develop tactical placement understanding

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement breaks between skills, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier contact, reduced complexity in serve technique, extra practice time with support

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal cues for ball location, partner guidance for court boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with exaggerated movements, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication

physical disability

Seated serving position option, larger/lighter balls, modified court size and net height

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring court dimensions, calculating serving distances, analysing success rates and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of trajectory, biomechanics of serving action

Geography

Court layouts and spatial awareness, understanding angles and directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating personal achievements

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for visibility of all students, move between courts during games

Observation Focus

Watch for serving technique consistency, tactical decision-making, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if students struggling with skill, or inappropriate competitive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points, show common mistakes and corrections

Verbal Cues

•'Hit underneath the ball!'
•'Straight arm swing!'
•'Follow through to your target!'
•'Serve away from them!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor court area, minimum 20m x 30m with multiple net positions

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for dynamic movement and ball bouncing

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check volleyball nets are securely fastened at correct height
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and free from damage
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during serving practice
•Ball strikes to head or body during serves
•Slips and falls during dynamic movements
•Overexertion during extended serving practice

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all serving areas
•Adequate spacing between pairs and teams
•Progressive skill building from partner practice to games
•Emphasis on controlled technique over power

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all serving pairs
•Monitor high-activity game areas for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue during extended practice
•Ensure safe ball retrieval procedures

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, clear area if necessary