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Lesson 3 - Serving Accuracy & Tactics

Tactics & Game Strategy

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Year 6

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Volleyball

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1h 17min

Big Question

How can we work tactically with a partner to control the volleyball rally and create scoring opportunities?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate overarm serving over distance with consistency
To demonstrate tactical awareness when working with a partner in volleyball
To apply defensive skills that lead to effective attacking opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will serve accurately over 10m distance with increasing consistency
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making in partner-based volleyball scenarios
Students will transition effectively from defensive positions to attacking opportunities

Equipment & Resources Required

Volleyballs

1 per pair (15)

Pre-checked for correct inflation and distributed around court perimeter

Alternative: Light beach balls or foam balls for students needing support

Cones

30 (6 per group for target practice)

Arranged in target areas and as net markers

Alternative: Soft markers or bean bags

Markers Cones

20 for court boundaries

Mark small courts 8m x 6m with 0.5m wide 'net' areas

Alternative: Chalk lines or rope boundaries

Measuring Tapes

For accurate distance measurement during serving practice

Alternative: Pre-measured court areas

Key Vocabulary

Overarm serve

A serving technique where the ball is hit from above shoulder height with an extended arm

Bump/Dig

A defensive technique using forearms to pass the ball upward from a low position

Set

An attacking preparation shot using fingertips to place the ball accurately for a spike

Ready position

Athletic stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, weight on balls of feet

Tactical awareness

Understanding of when and how to use different skills based on game situation

Rally

Continuous play where the ball is kept in the air by both teams

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic volleyball techniques (bump, set, spike)
Understanding of ready position and court awareness
Experience of partner work in previous volleyball lessons

Current Skills

Overarm serving technique and accuracy
Tactical positioning and communication with partner
Transition from defence to attack in game situations

Next Steps

Advanced serving techniques (jump serve, spin serve)
Complex team tactics in 6-a-side volleyball
Tournament play with official rules and regulations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent serves landing in target area 8/10 attempts

Clear communication during rallies with appropriate calls

Smooth transitions between defensive and attacking positions

Key Teaching Points

Overarm serving technique requires high contact point and step into the serve for accuracy and power
Ready position is fundamental - feet apart, weight on balls of feet, knees bent, eyes focused on the ball
Communication between partners is essential - clear calls of 'Mine!' and 'Yours!' prevent confusion
Tactical awareness develops through understanding when to use different shots based on game situation
Progressive distance increase in serving builds confidence while maintaining technical quality
Partner cooperation involves both individual skill and collective decision-making
Between-point time should be used for tactical discussion and positioning preparation

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Serving hard is more important than serving accurately - Reality: Accuracy and consistency are fundamental before increasing power
Misconception: Ready position is just standing still - Reality: Ready position is active and alert, ready for immediate movement
Misconception: Communication is only about calling for the ball - Reality: Effective communication includes tactical discussion and encouragement
Misconception: Volleyball is just hitting the ball over the net - Reality: Tactical positioning and shot selection are crucial for success
Misconception: Only advanced players can demonstrate good tactics - Reality: All students can show tactical thinking appropriate to their level

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger, slower balls for practice, simplified serving technique, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, predictable partner arrangements

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for spatial awareness, audio cues for ball direction

hearing impairment

Visual signals for communication, written instruction cards, clear visual demonstrations, partner support for verbal instructions

physical disability

Seated volleyball adaptations, underarm serving options, modified court size, appropriate equipment modifications

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring serving distances, calculating success percentages, counting consecutive hits in rotation drill, geometric understanding of court areas and angles

Science

Forces in serving motion, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, energy transfer from server to ball, biomechanics of athletic movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping court areas and tactical zones, understanding of direction and movement patterns

PSHE

Communication skills and effective teamwork, dealing with competitive pressure and disappointment, leadership and supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move dynamically between courts during game play, position at corner for maximum visibility during skill practice, stand behind servers during technique work

Observation Focus

Watch for serving technique development, communication quality between partners, tactical decision-making in game situations, ready position consistency

Intervention Points

Step in when serving technique becomes unsafe, when students show frustration with challenges, when communication breaks down between partners

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples when possible, demonstrate serving technique with exaggerated contact point, show ready position with emphasis on alertness and balance

Verbal Cues

•'High contact point for serving!'
•'Call for your ball - Mine or Yours!'
•'Ready position - alert and balanced!'
•'Accuracy before power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Indoor sports hall or outdoor court area minimum 30m x 20m to accommodate multiple small courts with adequate safety margins

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water/debris, appropriate court markings visible, adequate lighting for ball tracking

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Volleyballs checked for correct pressure and no damage
•Cones inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Serving areas clearly marked to prevent collisions
•Adequate ball storage to prevent tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball contact with face/head during serving or rallies
•Collisions between players during movement
•Trips/falls over court markers or equipment
•Overuse injury from repetitive serving motion

Risk Mitigation

•Clear court boundaries established with adequate spacing between playing areas
•Progressive serving technique taught to prevent shoulder/arm strain
•Emphasis on controlled, accurate serving rather than maximum power
•Clear communication rules to prevent player collisions
•Regular breaks to prevent overuse fatigue

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all courts during game play
•Monitor serving technique to prevent injury-causing actions
•Watch for fatigue signs during repetitive serving practice
•Ensure equipment is used safely and stored properly

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, summon additional help if required, ensure other students remain safely positioned