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Lesson 6 - Underarm Serve and Game Application

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 master the underarm serve to gain tactical advantage in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply the underarm serve with increasing consistency
To select appropriate tactical actions during game situations
To understand when and why to use specific serving tactics

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved underarm serve technique with consistent accuracy
Students will apply tactical serving decisions during competitive games
Students will evaluate the effectiveness of different serving strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

3 nets

Set at regulation height (2.24m) or slightly lower for accessibility

Alternative: Rope or badminton nets at appropriate height

Balls

15 balls

Distribute around court perimeters for easy access

Alternative: Volleyball trainer balls or soft-touch volleyballs

Cones

Use to mark court boundaries and target areas

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines

Measuring Tapes

1 tape

For accurate distance measurement from net to service line

Alternative: Pre-marked court lines or cones at set distances

Key Vocabulary

Underarm serve

A serving technique where the ball is struck from below with an upward motion to clear the net

Service line

The back boundary line from which serves must be taken in volleyball

Tactical placement

Deliberately serving the ball to specific areas to gain advantage

Contact point

The exact moment and position where the hand meets the ball during serving

Follow through

The continuation of arm movement after ball contact to control direction

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball rules and court awareness
Fundamental ball handling skills
Understanding of striking actions

Current Skills

Underarm serve technique development
Tactical serving placement
Game application of serving skills

Next Steps

Advanced serving techniques (overarm serve)
Complex game strategies and team tactics
Competitive tournament play

Milestone Indicators

Consistent ball contact using correct technique

Ability to serve over net from regulation distance

Tactical awareness in serve placement

Key Teaching Points

Contact under the ball with heel of hand for proper lift and control
Maintain straight arm throughout serving motion for power and accuracy
Follow through toward target to control ball direction
Bend knees to generate power from legs rather than just arm
Keep eyes focused on ball at moment of contact
Serve away from opponents to make returns difficult
Progress distance gradually to build confidence and consistency

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power comes from arm strength rather than whole body coordination
Believing serving hard is always better than serving accurately
Assuming contact point doesn't matter as long as ball goes over net
Thinking tactics aren't important in serving, only in returning
Believing one serving technique works for everyone regardless of ability

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls, simplified technique instruction, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear structure with visual schedule, consistent routines, quiet zone available if overstimulated

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear written instructions, hand signals for communication, visual boundary markers

physical disability

Adapted serving positions, modified net height, alternative striking implements if needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring court distances, calculating serving success rates, angles of ball trajectory over net

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, impact of contact point on ball direction, gravity effects on ball arc

Geography

Spatial awareness, court positioning, tactical use of space and area

PSHE

Teamwork, resilience in skill development, fair play, supporting others' learning

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position at corner of courts for visibility of all groups, rotate between practice areas during skill development

Observation Focus

Watch for correct serving technique, tactical understanding, and safe play practices

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when rules are misunderstood, or when students need encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, slow demonstrations of serving technique, emphasise key contact points, show tactical serving placement

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Straight arm swing!'
•'Hit under the ball!'
•'Follow through to your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m with multiple court areas, clear of obstacles and sufficient height for net play

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for volleyball with good grip and no slip hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check nets are securely fastened and appropriate height
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body during serving practice
•Collisions between students during game play
•Net-related injuries from contact or entanglement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear serving directions and designated safe zones
•Adequate spacing between courts and practice areas
•Proper technique instruction to control ball direction
•Clear boundaries and movement rules during games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all serving practice areas
•Monitor net area for safe play and rule compliance
•Watch for fatigue and adjust intensity accordingly

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, and contact medical support if required