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Lesson 1 - Bump and Dig Receiving Techniques

Tactics & Game Strategy

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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Big Question

How can we use our body position and arm technique to control the volleyball and work effectively as a team?

Learning Objectives

To develop the bump and dig receiving techniques in volleyball
To understand when and how to use bump versus dig techniques
To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in volleyball situations

Key Outcomes

Students will consistently use correct body position for bump and dig techniques
Students will demonstrate appropriate technique selection based on ball height and position
Students will communicate effectively with teammates during game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

4-6 nets or ropes

Distributed around activity area perimeter

Alternative: Soft volleyballs, foam balls for beginners

Cones

30-40 mixed colours

Used for target practice and court boundaries

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk marks

Sun Markers

16 cones for 4 courts

Create 4m x 7m courts with 1m gap under net

Alternative: Chalk lines, tape markers

Key Vocabulary

Bump

A volleyball technique used to receive balls at waist height or above using a platform formed by both arms

Dig

A volleyball technique used to receive balls below waist height with a low body position

Platform

The surface created by joining both arms together for receiving the volleyball

Footwork

The movement and positioning of feet to get into the best position to receive the ball

Communication

Calling out clearly to let teammates know you are taking the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of sending and receiving in other sports
Experience working cooperatively in partner activities

Current Skills

Bump technique for balls at waist height and above
Dig technique for balls below waist height
Communication and calling for the ball

Next Steps

Combining bump and dig in game situations
Advanced positioning and court movement
Set up plays and tactical awareness

Milestone Indicators

Consistent platform formation with arms

Appropriate technique selection without prompting

Clear voice communication during activities

Key Teaching Points

Platform formation is crucial for both bump and dig - arms together, slight bend at elbows
Use legs for power, not arms - this provides control and prevents arm strain
Get behind the ball before making contact - footwork is essential
Low body position for dig technique - 'get low for low balls'
Communication prevents collisions and organises team play
Technique selection depends on ball height - bump for waist and above, dig for below
Consistent practice builds muscle memory and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Swinging arms provides more power. Reality: Leg drive with stable platform gives better control
Misconception: Same technique works for all ball heights. Reality: Bump and dig require different body positions
Misconception: Looking at the ball is enough. Reality: Must move feet to get body behind ball
Misconception: Louder calls are better. Reality: Clear, timely communication is more important than volume
Misconception: Perfect technique required before playing games. Reality: Games help develop technique through practice

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Larger equipment initially, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedules of activities, quiet space available for breaks, consistent routines and expectations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured volleyballs, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher clearly

physical disability

Seated volleyball variations, modified court sizes, adapted equipment like larger or softer balls

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful hits in challenges, measuring court dimensions, calculating scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, body mechanics in low positions, physics of ball bounce

Geography

Spatial awareness and court positioning, directions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, managing emotions during competition, respecting others and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between activities to provide individual feedback, position for clear demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct platform formation, appropriate technique selection, and safe movement patterns

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, communication breaks down, or students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique, involve students in showing correct/incorrect form, emphasise key teaching points consistently

Verbal Cues

•'Platform and legs!'
•'Get low for low balls!'
•'Call your name!'
•'Move your feet first!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles, suitable for multiple courts

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, appropriate for volleyball activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check volleyballs are properly inflated and undamaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify net height is appropriate and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between players during movement
•Falls when moving quickly or in low positions
•Contact with volleyballs during game play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established and communicated
•Adequate spacing between pairs and groups
•Progressive skill building before game application
•Emphasis on controlled movement and communication

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all courts
•Monitor high-activity game situations closely
•Check technique to prevent injury from poor form

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess any injuries, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely managed