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Lesson 7 - Volleyball Rules and Rotation

Individual Skills to Team Play

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How do scoring systems and team rotations create fair and exciting volleyball matches?

Learning Objectives

To be able to use the volleyball scoring system accurately
To understand when and how to rotate positions during play
To apply game rules consistently during competitive play

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of volleyball scoring rules
Students will execute proper rotation sequences during gameplay
Students will officiate games using correct volleyball rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

Set at appropriate height for Year 6 students (2.1m)

Alternative: Badminton nets lowered, rope between posts

Balls

Slightly deflated for easier handling

Alternative: Volleyballs, beach balls, soft play balls

Team bibs

6 sets

Two colours to distinguish teams clearly

Alternative: Coloured bibs, different coloured shirts

Volleyball Rules

One per referee/line judge

Alternative: Printed rule summaries, whiteboard with rules

Sun Markers

As needed

Mark court boundaries clearly

Alternative: Cones, chalk lines, tape

Key Vocabulary

Rally

A sequence of play that begins with the serve and ends when the ball hits the ground or goes out of bounds

Rotation

The clockwise movement of players to new positions after winning the right to serve

Side out

When the serving team loses the rally and the other team gains the right to serve

Service order

The sequence in which players serve, starting from back right position

Line judge

Official who determines if balls land in or out of court boundaries

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball skills (serving, passing, setting)
Understanding of rally scoring concept
Experience with team formations

Current Skills

Volleyball scoring system application
Position rotation sequences
Game officiating skills

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play
Tournament organisation
Leadership and coaching roles

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain scoring without prompting

Teams rotate smoothly without confusion

Games flow with minimal teacher intervention

Key Teaching Points

Only serving team can score points in volleyball
Teams rotate clockwise when they win the right to serve
Service always starts from back right position
Players cannot touch ball twice consecutively
Maximum three touches per team before sending ball over net
Officials' decisions should be respected and accepted
Winning a rally while not serving gains the serve, not points

Common Misconceptions

Any rally win results in scoring - clarify only serving team scores
Rotation happens after every point - explain it's only when winning serve
Players can serve from any back position - emphasise back right only
Same player can hit ball multiple times - reinforce alternating touches rule
Officials should be argued with - teach respect for authority

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent changes, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Simplified rotation patterns, extra practice time, peer support for positioning

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines for rotations, visual schedules for lesson structure, quiet spaces available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and team bands, provide verbal descriptions of court positions, buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual hand signals for officiating, written rules cards, clear visual demonstrations of rotations

physical disability

Modified court size, seated or standing positions as appropriate, adapted serving techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scorekeeping and number recognition, counting rally exchanges, understanding sequences in rotation patterns

Science

Understanding forces in ball trajectory, energy transfer in serves and spikes, body mechanics in movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding directions (clockwise rotation), mapping player movements

PSHE

Fair play and respect for officials, cooperation in team situations, leadership through officiating roles

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between courts to monitor rule application and provide guidance, position for clear view of all playing areas

Observation Focus

Watch for correct rotation execution, accurate officiating, and understanding of scoring system

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify rules, resolve disputes, ensure fair play, and maintain appropriate competitive intensity

Demonstration Notes

Use students to demonstrate rotation patterns, show serving positions clearly, model respectful officiating behaviour

Verbal Cues

•'Remember, only serving team can score!'
•'Rotate clockwise when you win the serve!'
•'Officials, make clear, confident calls!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 9m x 18m per court with 2m clear space around boundaries

Surface Check

Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Nets securely fastened and at appropriate height
•Balls properly inflated but not over-pressurised
•Team bands fit securely without being too tight

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions at net during competitive play
•Balls hitting students not involved in play
•Slips on smooth surfaces during quick movements
•Overexertion during extended rallies

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries with adequate spacing
•Rules about net contact and safe play
•Rotation systems to ensure rest periods
•Emphasis on controlled rather than powerful play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all three courts
•Monitor competitive intensity levels
•Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
•Ensure fair rotation of all students

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately for any injury, assess and provide appropriate first aid, ensure injured student receives proper care before returning to activity