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Lesson 3 - Volleying and Setting Techniques

Individual Skills to Team Play

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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1h 10min

Big Question

How can we use precise volleying techniques to maintain control and create opportunities in volleyball?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply the volley/set technique with accuracy and control
To understand how to position the body correctly for effective volleying
To use the set shot tactically to create opportunities for teammates

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate consistent volleying technique with proper hand positioning
Students will move effectively to position themselves under the ball
Students will apply volleying skills in game situations with tactical awareness

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

6 (at various heights)

Set at appropriate heights for Year 6 students (2.0-2.2m)

Alternative: String lines, badminton nets, or rope between posts

Balls

15 (softer than volleyballs)

One ball per pair initially, extras available around perimeter

Alternative: Foam volleyballs, beach balls for beginners

Cones

20 for marking positions

Use to mark court boundaries and player positions

Alternative: Floor markers, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Volley

A two-handed pass played above the head using fingertips

Set

A specific type of volley used to position the ball for a teammate

Triangle

Hand position where index fingers and thumbs form a triangle shape

Cushion

Absorbing the ball's impact by bending elbows and wrists

Ready Position

Balanced stance with knees bent, arms ready, weight on balls of feet

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of ready position
Experience with underarm serving

Current Skills

Proper hand positioning for volleying
Movement to position under the ball
Tactical use of the set shot

Next Steps

Advanced volleying under pressure
Combination plays with multiple touches
Competitive volleyball games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent triangle hand shape formation

Smooth movement to ball position

Controlled ball contact with soft hands

Tactical awareness in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Triangle hand formation is fundamental to all volleying success
Moving feet to position under the ball is more important than arm strength
Soft hands with cushioning action create better ball control than hard hits
The set shot is a tactical weapon that creates opportunities for teammates
Ready position and quick reactions are essential for effective volleying
Communication and teamwork make rallies more successful than individual skill alone
Practice makes permanent - emphasise correct technique from the start

Common Misconceptions

Students think they need to hit the ball hard - emphasise soft control instead
Belief that arms do all the work - teach that legs and positioning are crucial
Assumption that volleying is just hitting upward - explain forward direction is needed
Thinking individual skill is enough - demonstrate importance of teamwork and communication
Misconception that speed is more important than accuracy - emphasise control first

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts, provide clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities, offer frequent positive feedback

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, slow down activity pace, provide extra practice time, break down movements into smaller components

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedules, use consistent routines, offer quiet zones if overwhelmed, break activities into smaller steps

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, use tactile guidance for hand positioning, ensure good contrast between ball and background

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication, buddy system for instruction relay

physical disability

Adapt net heights, allow seated volleying positions, use lighter balls, modify court dimensions, provide additional support equipment

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Angles of ball trajectory, counting consecutive volleys, measuring net heights and court dimensions

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, impact and cushioning effects, centre of gravity and balance

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, supporting others' learning, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around groups constantly, position to see all students, stand where voice carries to all groups

Observation Focus

Watch for proper hand positioning, movement efficiency, ball contact quality, and team cooperation

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, when students are struggling with progressions, or when group dynamics need support

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate technique slowly first, then at normal speed, use students to demonstrate good examples, correct common errors immediately

Verbal Cues

•'Triangle hands!'
•'Move your feet!'
•'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
•'Set it high for your teammate!'
•'Ready position first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m with multiple net areas, clear run-off space around each court

Surface Check

Non-slip surface, free from water or debris, appropriate for quick directional changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check nets are securely attached and at appropriate height
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Verify all boundary markers are flat and non-slip

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to face or body
•Collisions between students moving to ball
•Trips over nets or boundary markers
•Overreaching causing loss of balance

Risk Mitigation

•Teach proper ready position with hands protecting face area
•Establish clear movement patterns and communication
•Set appropriate net heights for age group
•Emphasise moving feet rather than overreaching
•Use softer balls for skill development

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during activities
•Monitor for fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Watch for proper spacing between players

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required