Lesson 3 - Volleying and Setting Techniques
Individual Skills to Team Play
•Year 6
•Volleyball
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Set at appropriate heights for Year 6 students (2.0-2.2m)
Alternative: String lines, badminton nets, or rope between posts
One ball per pair initially, extras available around perimeter
Alternative: Foam volleyballs, beach balls for beginners
Use to mark court boundaries and player positions
Alternative: Floor markers, bean bags
Key Vocabulary
A two-handed pass played above the head using fingertips
A specific type of volley used to position the ball for a teammate
Hand position where index fingers and thumbs form a triangle shape
Absorbing the ball's impact by bending elbows and wrists
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
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