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Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Ball Movement

Individual Skills to Team Play

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How does the ready position give me the best chance to reach the ball quickly and effectively?

Learning Objectives

To master the ready position and understand its tactical importance
To demonstrate quick movement from ready position to ball
To apply ready position concepts in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently use the ready position before ball contact
Students will move efficiently to intercept balls using proper positioning
Students will understand when and why to use ready position tactically

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries (4m x 4m squares) and activity zones

Alternative: Spot markers, bibs, or chalk marks

Balls

Ensure proper inflation for consistent bounce and catching

Alternative: Volleyballs, beach balls, or foam balls for beginners

Measuring Tapes

For accurate court marking if permanent lines not available

Alternative: Pre-marked court lines or estimated distances

Key Vocabulary

Ready Position

A balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, and eyes up, allowing quick movement in any direction

Court Awareness

Understanding your position on court and where the ball might go

Underarm Throw

A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward motion

Ball Tracking

Following the ball's path with your eyes and body positioning

Base Position

The central position players return to after each point to cover court effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of personal space
Ability to follow simple game rules

Current Skills

Ready position technique
Quick directional movement
Ball tracking and interception

Next Steps

Volleyball specific techniques (dig, volley)
Team positioning and tactics
Advanced court movement patterns

Milestone Indicators

Automatically assumes ready position before ball contact

Moves efficiently in multiple directions

Shows tactical understanding of positioning

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is the foundation for all volleyball movements
Feet shoulder-width apart provides optimal balance and mobility
Keeping eyes up allows for better ball tracking and court awareness
Quick, small steps are more effective than large running strides
Ready position must become automatic, not just remembered
Tactical positioning combines ready position with game understanding
Communication and teamwork enhance individual ready position skills

Common Misconceptions

Thinking ready position means standing completely still - correct by emphasising dynamic readiness
Believing taller stance is better - show how bent knees enable quicker movement
Focusing only on feet position - emphasise whole body coordination including arms and eyes
Assuming ready position is only for volleyball - connect to other net and wall games
Using ready position only when ball is coming to you - explain importance for team positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear breaks, regular position changes, clear boundaries and rules, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in multi-step activities, extra practice time, visual cues for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available, predictable activity transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for all demonstrations, tactile guidance for ready position, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key concepts, written instructions on board, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated volleyball adaptation, larger lighter balls, modified court dimensions, adapted ready position for wheelchair users

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring court dimensions, counting scores, angles of movement and positioning

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing, balance and centre of gravity in ready position

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning on court, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing competitive emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where all students visible, move to different angles during demonstrations, circulate during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position technique, efficient movement patterns, tactical understanding development

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with basic technique, if safety concerns arise, if competitive spirit becomes negative

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for clarity, contrast correct vs incorrect technique, involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Feet apart, knees bent!'
•'Eyes up, watch the ball!'
•'Quick feet to the ball!'
•'Ready position first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area, minimum 20m x 15m for multiple courts

Surface Check

Dry, non-slip surface free from obstacles and debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check playground balls are properly inflated
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•All equipment stored safely during activities

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during ball chasing
•Slips and falls due to quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for all activities
•Adequate spacing between groups and courts
•Emphasis on controlled underarm throwing only
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Circulate during group work to monitor technique and safety
•Monitor competitive activities for appropriate intensity

Emergency Procedures

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