Lesson 1 - Ready Position and Ball Movement
Individual Skills to Team Play
•Year 6
•Volleyball
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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
Use to mark court boundaries (4m x 4m squares) and activity zones
Alternative: Spot markers, bibs, or chalk marks
Ensure proper inflation for consistent bounce and catching
Alternative: Volleyballs, beach balls, or foam balls for beginners
For accurate court marking if permanent lines not available
Alternative: Pre-marked court lines or estimated distances
Key Vocabulary
A balanced stance with feet apart, knees bent, and eyes up, allowing quick movement in any direction
Understanding your position on court and where the ball might go
A throwing technique where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward motion
Following the ball's path with your eyes and body positioning
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
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