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Lesson 4 - Dig Shot Technique and Control

Individual Skills to Team Play

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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1h 9min

Big Question

How can we use the dig shot to keep the ball in play when it's too low to volley?

Learning Objectives

To develop consistent dig shot technique with proper body positioning
To apply the dig shot effectively in game situations under pressure
To understand when to select the dig shot over other volleyball techniques

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate proper dig shot technique with forearms and body position
Students will successfully use dig shots to return low balls in practice and game scenarios
Students will show tactical awareness in choosing when to use the dig shot

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

6 (or use alternative net systems)

Set at appropriate height for Year 6 (2.1m recommended)

Alternative: Badminton nets, rope between posts, or taped lines on walls

Balls

30 (1 per student)

Use slightly deflated balls for easier control during learning phase

Alternative: Beach balls, foam balls, or light plastic balls for beginners

Markers Cones

Mark court boundaries and target areas clearly

Alternative: Spots, lines of tape, or chalk lines

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two contrasting colours for team games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts or arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Dig

A defensive volleyball technique used to play balls that are too low to volley, using the forearms

Forearms

The part of the arm between wrist and elbow, used as the contact surface for digging

Platform

The flat surface created by joining both forearms together for ball contact

Ready Position

Athletic stance with knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, ready to move in any direction

Rally

Continuous play where teams hit the ball back and forth over the net

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball rules and court awareness
Underarm serving technique
Ready position and movement patterns
Basic ball handling skills

Current Skills

Dig shot technique with forearm contact
Body positioning for low ball reception
Tactical decision making between dig and volley
Team coordination in rally situations

Next Steps

Advanced dig variations (diving digs, one-handed digs)
Spike and block techniques
Complex game strategies and formations
Tournament play with full volleyball rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent forearm contact on 8 out of 10 attempts

Ability to direct dig shots to specific target areas

Quick recognition of when to use dig vs volley

Successful rally maintenance for 5+ contacts

Key Teaching Points

Dig technique requires flat forearm platform with proper hand positioning
Power for digs comes from legs and body, not from swinging arms
Contact point should be just above wrists on forearm surface
Body position must be low and athletic with bent knees
Dig is selected when ball is too low for volley technique
Team communication is essential for effective rally play
Consistent practice leads to improved ball control and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Using hands instead of forearms for ball contact
Thinking more arm swing equals more power
Believing dig can be used for all ball heights
Assuming technique doesn't matter if ball goes over net
Expecting immediate success without consistent practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Break skills into smaller components, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment for easier success

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available for breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of technique, buddy system for positioning and safety

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written technique reminders on display

physical disability

Seated digging variations, adapted equipment with larger/softer balls, modified court dimensions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of ball trajectory, counting consecutive dig attempts, measuring court dimensions and net heights

Science

Forces and motion in ball contact, physics of ball bounce and rebound, biomechanics of efficient movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding angles and directions for ball placement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating others' achievements and giving constructive feedback

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move constantly between students during practice, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand position, body stance, contact point, and safety awareness throughout

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breakdown occurs, when safety risks develop, or when students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use slow-motion for technique breakdown, show common errors vs correct technique, use student volunteers for examples

Verbal Cues

•'Flat platform!'
•'Knees bent!'
•'Eyes on ball!'
•'Contact above wrists!'
•'Use your legs!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m with additional space around boundaries, multiple courts if using nets

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or obstacles, suitable for explosive movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check volleyballs are properly inflated but not over-inflated
•Ensure nets are securely fastened and appropriate height
•Verify court boundaries are clearly marked and safe
•Check all cones and markers are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball contact with face or head during learning phase
•Collision between students during movement activities
•Falls when moving quickly to reach balls
•Overexertion during warm-up or intense practice

Risk Mitigation

•Emphasise keeping eyes on ball at all times
•Establish clear spacing requirements and monitor closely
•Teach safe movement patterns and proper positioning
•Build intensity gradually throughout lesson
•Use appropriate ball pressure for learning phase

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all practice areas
•Monitor high-activity areas like net zones closely
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure quick access to first aid if needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or seek additional support, maintain supervision of other students