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Lesson 4 - Advanced Volleyball Skills

Tactics & Game Strategy

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How can we combine advanced volleyball skills to create effective attacking and defending strategies?

Learning Objectives

To consistently perform bump, set, spike and block techniques with control and precision
To demonstrate effective communication during attacking and defending plays
To understand scoring systems and court rotation rules in volleyball

Key Outcomes

Students will execute advanced volleyball skills consistently in game situations
Students will communicate effectively with teammates during match play
Students will demonstrate understanding of volleyball rules through accurate scoring and rotation

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

2-3 nets

Balls stored in mesh bag at court edge for easy access

Alternative: Lightweight training balls for younger students

Cones

20-30 cones

Used for court boundaries, target areas, and queue markers

Alternative: Spots or markers

Bibs

15 bibs (for team identification)

Two colours for 3v3 games

Alternative: Coloured bands or team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Bump

Using both hands together with straight arms to pass the ball upwards, typically used for receiving serves or low balls

Set

A precise overhead pass using fingertips to position the ball for a spike attack

Spike

A powerful downward attack hit performed above the net to score points

Block

A defensive technique using raised arms to deflect or stop opponent's spike attacks

Rotation

The clockwise movement of players around court positions when team wins the serve

Rally

The continuous play of the ball between teams until a point is scored

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball serving and receiving techniques
Understanding of basic court positions
Simple bump and set skills

Current Skills

Advanced bump, set, spike and blocking techniques
Team communication during play
Understanding of rotation and scoring systems

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play and game strategies
Leadership roles in competitive volleyball
Officiating and coaching other players

Milestone Indicators

Consistent execution of all four main skills

Effective verbal and non-verbal communication

Understanding demonstrated through correct rotation and scoring

Key Teaching Points

Progression from individual skills to game application builds confidence and competence
Communication is as important as physical skills in volleyball success
Self-assessment develops metacognitive awareness and ownership of learning
Rotation rules connect to real volleyball and develop game understanding
Differentiation allows all students to experience success at their level
Safety through proper technique is emphasised throughout all activities
Balance between individual achievement and team cooperation reflects volleyball nature

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking volleyball is just hitting ball over net - address through skill sequence emphasis
Believing power is more important than control - stress technique over force
Thinking communication disrupts play - demonstrate how it enhances team performance
Assuming rotation is too complex for primary students - break down into simple steps
Believing some students 'can't' do volleyball - provide appropriate modifications and support
Thinking blocking is defensive only - explain how it creates attacking opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, specific job assignments during games

dyspraxia

Simplified skill progressions, larger equipment, extra practice time, focus on gross motor movements before fine motor skills

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured volleyballs, verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning, audio cues for ball location

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Seated volleyball variations, modified net height, larger/lighter balls, adapted techniques for different mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting rotations and positions, calculating scores, measuring court dimensions and distances

Science

Forces in spiking and blocking, trajectory of ball flight, body movement and physics

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, understanding angles for spikes and blocks

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, leadership roles, fair play and sportsmanship, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skills practice, central position for demonstrations, circulate all courts during games

Observation Focus

Watch for proper technique in all four skills, communication between teammates, understanding of rules and rotation

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, if students struggle with game rules, or if teamwork breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Show all four skills clearly with emphasis on safety, exaggerate key technique points for visibility, use students as examples when they demonstrate good technique

Verbal Cues

•'Low and controlled for digs!'
•'Soft hands for setting!'
•'Jump and hit down for spikes!'
•'Arms parallel for blocking!'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Full sports hall or outdoor court area minimum 20m x 15m per game area

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris or obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check volleyballs are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure net height appropriate for Year 6 students
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during game play
•Injuries from jumping and landing
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between game areas
•Progressive skill building from basic to advanced
•Emphasis on controlled technique over power

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all courts during game play
•Monitor jumping and landing techniques closely
•Watch for aggressive play or poor sportsmanship

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if required