🏐

Lesson 2 - Fast Catch Volley Development

Individual Skills to Team Play

•

Year 6

•

Volleyball

•

Big Question

How can we use tactical awareness and quick decision-making to outmanoeuvre opponents in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop fast catch volley technique with tactical awareness
To apply throwing and catching skills under pressure in competitive situations
To understand when and how to use team tactics effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate controlled catching and accurate pushing techniques above head height
Students will show tactical understanding by using space and team passes strategically
Students will apply volleyball rules consistently in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students (approximately 2.1m)

Alternative: Rope tied between posts, badminton nets raised higher

Balls

Ensure balls are properly inflated for consistent bounce

Alternative: Volleyball trainers, foam balls for nervous students

Base Stations

Used for court boundaries and warm-up activity lines

Alternative: Gym markers, chalk lines on playground

Bibs

16 (2 colours)

Helps with team identification during 4v4 games

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, arm bands

Key Vocabulary

Set Position

Catching the ball above head height with hands in the shape of the ball, ready to push

Fast Catch Volley

Quickly catching and immediately pushing the ball over the net within 2 seconds

Court Awareness

Understanding where teammates and opponents are positioned to make tactical decisions

Push Pass

Propelling the ball using both hands from above the head with extended arms

Ready Position

Feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, eyes on ball, prepared to move quickly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ready position with feet apart and knees bent
Simple underarm throwing and two-handed catching
Understanding of court boundaries and basic rules

Current Skills

Fast catch volley technique with tactical application
High point catching 'in set' above head height
Team coordination with up to three passes before return

Next Steps

Introduction to proper volleyball serving technique
Advanced positioning and rotation systems
Spike and block techniques for advanced students

Milestone Indicators

Catching consistently above head height without dropping

Using team passes strategically to create advantages

Demonstrating court awareness and tactical decision-making

Key Teaching Points

Catch above head height with triangle-shaped hands for proper 'set' position
Move feet quickly to get underneath the ball before attempting to catch
Use team passes strategically to create space and outmanoeuvre opponents
Maintain 2-second time limit to develop realistic game pace and decision-making
Apply tactical thinking in both defensive and attacking court positioning
Communicate effectively with teammates through calls and encouragement
Demonstrate positive sportsmanship and resilience during competitive games

Common Misconceptions

Students may think catching lower is safer - emphasise that high catching gives better control
Some may believe individual skills are more important than team tactics - show how passing creates advantages
Students might think holding the ball longer helps accuracy - demonstrate that quick decisions lead to better results
May assume serving hard is better - teach that controlled placement beats power
Some think staying in one court position is best - show importance of movement and positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement built into all activities

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls initially, reduced complexity in rules, additional practice time for motor skills

autism spectrum

Clear routine established, visual schedule of activities, quiet break space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal cues for court positioning, buddy system with sighted partner

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for techniques, written instruction cards, clear line-of-sight for demonstrations

physical disability

Seated version using table or lower net, adapted ball sizes, modified court dimensions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting team passes (maximum 3), measuring court dimensions, calculating game scores and time limits

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, reaction time in fast catch situations, friction between feet and court surface

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding of angles for tactical ball placement

PSHE

Teamwork and communication skills, resilience when losing points, leadership during team discussions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of teaching area to observe all courts, position centrally during instruction phases

Observation Focus

Watch for proper 'set' hand position, tactical use of space, positive team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if competitive intensity becomes too high or if technique significantly deteriorates under pressure

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for hand positioning, exaggerate foot movement, show tactical examples using actual court spaces

Verbal Cues

•'Triangle hands above your head!'
•'Move your feet first, then reach!'
•'Use your passes to move them around!'
•'Two seconds - catch and push!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m area with 3 volleyball courts marked, 2m clear space around each net

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, suitable for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Volleyball nets securely attached at appropriate height for Year 6 (2.1m)
•Balls properly inflated to prevent unpredictable bounces
•Base stations have no sharp edges and are visible colours

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students moving quickly to catch balls
•Net contact during competitive games
•Overexertion during extended game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained throughout
•Adequate spacing between courts to prevent cross-court collisions
•Progressive skill building from individual to team activities
•Regular breaks and hydration reminders during extended games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts during games
•Monitor competitive intensity to maintain safe, fun environment
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed