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Lesson 8 - Volleyball Tournament Competition

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 apply all our volleyball skills and tactical knowledge to succeed in tournament play?

Learning Objectives

To successfully apply volleyball rules and techniques in competitive tournament play
To demonstrate leadership skills by conducting warm-ups and supporting teammates
To use tactical thinking to gain advantages during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will lead team warm-ups with confidence and clear instruction
Students will apply volleyball rules consistently throughout tournament matches
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness and explain their strategic decisions

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

Set nets at 2.24m height for Year 6, ensure secure attachment

Alternative: Badminton nets raised to appropriate height, rope between posts

Balls

Check balls are properly inflated and suitable size for Year 6 hands

Alternative: Volleyballs, beach balls for easier handling

Score Sheets

6 teams worth

Pre-prepare score sheets with team names and match schedule

Alternative: Whiteboard, paper and clipboards

Volleyball Rules Reference Card

6 (one per team)

Ensure cards are clearly written and easily accessible

Alternative: Laminated rule summaries, wall displays

Markers Cones

24 (8 per court)

Mark clear court boundaries approximately 6m x 6m per court

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope boundaries, painted lines

Whistles

3 (one per court)

Assign student referees with whistles for each court

Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competitive event where multiple teams play against each other with points awarded for wins, draws and losses

Rally

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

Rotation

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

Tactics

Strategic decisions about where to hit the ball and how to position players to gain advantage

Fair Play

Honest, respectful behaviour that follows rules and shows good sportsmanship

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball techniques (serve, pass, set, spike)
Understanding of court positions and rotation
Knowledge of fundamental volleyball rules
Experience in small-sided volleyball games

Current Skills

Leading team warm-ups independently
Applying rules consistently in competitive situations
Using tactical awareness to influence game outcomes
Demonstrating good sportsmanship under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations and strategies
Officiating and coaching other students
Cross-curricular tournament organisation skills
Leadership roles in school sports competitions

Milestone Indicators

Confidently leads warm-up routines with clear instruction

Makes tactical decisions based on game situations

Demonstrates consistent fair play and sportsmanship

Can identify and explain effective volleyball strategies

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise tactical thinking throughout tournament - ask 'where should you aim?' regularly
Maintain focus on fair play and sportsmanship even during competitive pressure
Ensure rotation of leadership and referee roles so all students experience different responsibilities
Use peer recognition to celebrate positive attitudes and skill development
Connect volleyball techniques to tactical applications in game situations
Monitor energy levels and provide appropriate breaks during extended tournament play
Encourage team communication and strategic planning between games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking winning is more important than fair play - constantly reinforce sportsmanship values
Believing only strong players can be good leaders - highlight different leadership styles and opportunities
Assuming tactics are only for advanced players - show how simple positioning and shot selection are tactical decisions
Thinking referees should always favour their own team - emphasise honesty and fairness in officiating
Believing volleyball is only about powerful hitting - demonstrate importance of placement and teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Provide clear structure with frequent activity changes, assign specific roles and responsibilities, use movement breaks between games, clear and consistent boundaries

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls for easier handling, provide extra practice time for techniques, simplify court movements, focus on consistent positioning

autism spectrum

Provide clear tournament schedule and routine, use visual timetables for game rotation, offer quiet break areas, prepare for potential sensory overload

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide audio cues for court boundaries, pair with sighted partner for initial orientation, use textured markers for court lines

hearing impairment

Use visual signals instead of whistles, provide written rule cards, use hand signals for communication, ensure clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modify court size for wheelchair users, use lower nets or seated play options, provide catching instead of spiking opportunities, adapted serving positions

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during team discussions, vocabulary development through volleyball terminology, descriptive language when explaining tactics

Maths

Tournament scoring system, calculating points totals, understanding statistics from game results, measuring court dimensions and calculating areas

Science

Understanding forces and motion in ball trajectory, physics of net play and ball bounce, body systems response during extended physical activity

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect and fair play principles, conflict resolution through officiating

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location allowing visual oversight of all three courts with ability to quickly reach any court

Observation Focus

Monitor rule application, tactical development, fair play demonstration, and safety throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in for rule clarification, tactical guidance, sportsmanship reminders, or safety concerns

Demonstration Notes

Move between courts to highlight good examples of tactical play, rule application, and sportsmanship for all teams to learn from

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical thinking team!'
•'Remember to communicate with your teammates!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship - that's what I want to see!'
•'Think about where you're aiming that shot!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum three court areas of 6m x 6m each with 2m clear space around all boundaries

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, water, or debris that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Nets securely attached and at appropriate height (2.24m for Year 6)
•Balls properly inflated and checked for damage
•Court boundaries clearly marked with safe, flat markers
•No damaged or unsafe equipment in play areas

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball contact with face or head during spiking actions
•Collisions between players going for same ball
•Falls from jumping or quick directional changes
•Net contact causing injury or equipment damage
•Overexertion during extended tournament play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries prevent collision between different games
•Appropriate ball type reduces injury risk from hard hits
•Regular breaks between games prevent overexertion
•Referee system reduces player disputes and dangerous play
•Teacher monitoring of all courts ensures quick intervention if needed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all three courts simultaneously
•Rotate attention between courts during active play
•Monitor player fatigue and hydration throughout tournament
•Ensure referees make safety-conscious decisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop all play immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if required