Lesson 6 - Underarm Serve and Game Application
Individual Skills to Team Play
•Year 6
•Volleyball
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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
Set at regulation height (2.24m) or slightly lower for accessibility
Alternative: Rope or badminton nets at appropriate height
Distribute around court perimeters for easy access
Alternative: Volleyball trainer balls or soft-touch volleyballs
Use to mark court boundaries and target areas
Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines
For accurate distance measurement from net to service line
Alternative: Pre-marked court lines or cones at set distances
Key Vocabulary
A serving technique where the ball is struck from below with an upward motion to clear the net
The back boundary line from which serves must be taken in volleyball
Deliberately serving the ball to specific areas to gain advantage
The exact moment and position where the hand meets the ball during serving
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
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