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Lesson 5 - Rally Over the Net

Individual Skills to Team Play

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How can we use different volleyball skills strategically to maintain rallies and work as a team?

Learning Objectives

To be able to rally over the net using appropriate skills
To select the most suitable technique for different ball positions
To demonstrate tactical awareness in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully maintain rallies using volleys and digs
Students will demonstrate decision-making skills in shot selection
Students will work cooperatively to achieve team targets

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

Set at appropriate height for Year 6 (2.1-2.2m)

Alternative: Badminton nets on highest setting, rope between posts

Balls

One ball per group of 8 students

Alternative: Soft volleyballs, beach balls for beginners

Cones

For court marking and achievement tracking

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A sequence of shots between teams before a point is scored

Volley

A two-handed overhead shot used when the ball is high

Dig

An underarm shot used when the ball is low

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, ready to move in any direction

Consecutive Hits

Teams can hit the ball up to three times before sending over net

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball ready position
Simple underarm serving
Elementary volley and dig techniques

Current Skills

Advanced volley and dig execution
Strategic shot selection
Collaborative rally building

Next Steps

Competitive match play
Advanced tactical formations
Leadership and coaching skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistent rallies of 4+ hits

Appropriate technique selection

Effective team communication

Key Teaching Points

Technique selection depends on ball height - volley high, dig low
Ready position enables quick reactions and movement in any direction
Team success requires accurate setting up of teammates
Reading the game involves watching body language and ball flight
Consistent rallies require patience and strategic thinking
Communication with teammates improves rally success
Return to ready position immediately after each hit

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than placement in rallies
Believing individual skills matter more than team cooperation
Assuming the same technique works for all ball heights
Focusing only on the ball instead of reading the whole game situation
Expecting immediate success without practicing basic techniques
Not understanding the three-hit rule and its strategic implications

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Larger/softer balls, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zones available, predictable rotation patterns

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of demonstrations, tactile guidance for hand positions

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations emphasised, hand signals for instructions, written rule reminders available

physical disability

Seated volleyball variations, modified court size, adapted equipment as needed, different role options

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rally sequences, measuring court dimensions, calculating success percentages, timing challenges

Science

Forces in ball trajectory, reaction times, physics of ball bounce and spin, body mechanics in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding angles and directions, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience through challenge, celebrating others' success, communication skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to observe all groups, position at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for technique application, team cooperation, decision-making under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if technique deteriorates significantly, safety concerns arise, or team dynamics break down

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, involve students in demonstrations, provide positive specific feedback immediately

Verbal Cues

•'Read the ball early!'
•'Ready position after every hit!'
•'Help your teammate succeed!'
•'High ball - volley! Low ball - dig!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 15m x 20m per court with 3m clear space around nets

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for dynamic movement

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check nets are properly secured and at correct height
•Balls properly inflated and free from damage
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions around nets
•Ball strikes to face/head
•Slips from quick direction changes
•Net contact injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around each court
•Adequate spacing between playing groups
•Progressive skill building before competitive play
•Emphasis on controlled movements near net

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor high-activity areas around nets
•Watch for fatigue affecting decision-making

Emergency Procedures

Stop, assess, appropriate first aid if needed, continue with modifications if necessary