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Lesson 8 - Volleyball Tournament Application

Volleyball Foundations & Skills

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Year 5

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How can we apply all our volleyball skills to compete fairly and effectively in a tournament setting?

Learning Objectives

To apply all learned volleyball skills and tactics in competitive match situations
To demonstrate leadership through organising warm-ups and supporting teammates
To use official volleyball rules consistently and fairly during tournament play

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully compete in a structured volleyball tournament
Students will demonstrate sportsmanship and fair play throughout competition
Students will apply tactical understanding to improve team performance

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

Position nets to create three courts across sports hall

Alternative: Badminton nets raised to appropriate height, rope between posts

Balls

One ball per court, extras available courtside

Alternative: Soft volleyballs, beach balls for beginners

Sun Markers

12 cones

Mark court boundaries clearly for all three courts

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers on indoor surfaces

Score Sheets

1 per teacher

Include team names and tournament fixture list

Alternative: Digital scoring app, simple paper tracking

Volleyball Rules

6 (one per team)

Quick reference cards for student referees

Alternative: Laminated rule summaries, wall posters

Stopwatch

For timing games and transition periods

Alternative: Smartphone timer, wall clock

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competitive event where multiple teams play against each other to determine overall winners

Rally

A sequence of play that begins with the serve and ends when the ball becomes dead

Rotation

Players moving clockwise around court positions after winning the right to serve

Tactics

Planned strategies used by teams to gain advantage over opponents

Sportsmanship

Fair play, respect for opponents, and gracious behaviour in competition

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Students can perform basic volleyball serves with accuracy
Students understand fundamental volleyball rules and court positions
Students can execute basic attacking and defensive shots

Current Skills

Applying all skills in competitive tournament format
Using tactical awareness in game situations
Demonstrating leadership and sportsmanship

Next Steps

Advanced tactical understanding including set plays
Peer coaching and officiating roles
Cross-curricular applications of teamwork skills

Milestone Indicators

Students can organise their own warm-up routines

Teams apply tactics spontaneously during rallies

Students self-referee with minimal teacher intervention

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise sportsmanship and fair play as equally important as skill development
Use competitive environment to reinforce all previously learned volleyball techniques
Encourage tactical thinking and adaptation rather than just hitting the ball hard
Develop leadership skills through warm-up organisation and peer refereeing
Create inclusive tournament environment where all students can experience success
Connect competition experience to real-world application of learning
Use reflection to consolidate learning and set future development goals

Common Misconceptions

Believing winning is more important than skill development and fair play
Thinking tactics are only for advanced players rather than fundamental to volleyball
Assuming competition reduces the importance of teamwork and cooperation
Believing that mistakes during competition indicate lack of skill progress
Thinking that only the strongest players can contribute to team success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear role definitions, frequent position changes, immediate feedback and recognition

dyspraxia

Simplified tactics, larger balls, reduced court size, extra practice time before tournament

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure, predictable rotation schedule, quiet break areas available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal announcements of score, buddy system for court navigation

hearing impairment

Visual signals for referee decisions, written tournament bracket, vibrating signals for attention

physical disability

Modified serving positions, seated play options, adapted court sizes for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills, vocabulary development, giving constructive feedback and instructions

Maths

Tournament scoring, calculating points totals, understanding statistics and results analysis

Science

Forces in ball trajectory, physics of net height and court dimensions, biomechanics of serving

PSHE

Leadership skills, conflict resolution, emotional regulation under pressure, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing visibility of all three courts, rotate frequently to observe each game closely

Observation Focus

Monitor skill application, tactical awareness, sportsmanship, and safety throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule disputes, or inappropriate competitive behaviour

Demonstration Notes

Use brief pauses between rallies to highlight good technique or tactical play without disrupting flow

Verbal Cues

•'Great communication!'
•'Think about where you're aiming!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship!'
•'Work as a team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Sports hall minimum 30m x 18m to accommodate three volleyball courts

Surface Check

Clean, dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Nets securely fastened and appropriate height for age group
•Balls properly inflated and in good condition
•Court boundaries clearly marked and visible
•Score sheets and pencils safely positioned away from play areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during competitive play
•Contact with net posts or nets during rallies
•Falls when attempting athletic movements
•Ball strikes to head or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries prevent overcrowding
•Modified rules reduce dangerous play
•Student referees monitor safety and fair play
•Teacher supervision across all courts
•Appropriate competition intensity for age group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all three courts simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity and emotional responses
•Watch for fatigue affecting safe play
•Ensure student referees maintain safety standards

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required