Skills & Team Coordination
•Year 7
•Volleyball
•Store in bag at edge of court, distributed at start of each activity
Alternative: Lightweight beach balls or foam volleyballs for students requiring additional support
Charged and ready with video recording app open, designated student as camera operator
Alternative: Smartphones with video capability, or teacher demonstration only
Positioned where all students can see during instruction phases
Alternative: Flip chart paper, or printed diagrams of set shot technique
Used to define playing areas and target zones during game application
Alternative: Spots, lines marked with tape, or existing court markings
Printed and distributed during peer assessment activities
Alternative: Simplified checklist cards, or verbal feedback only
An overhead pass using fingertips to direct the ball high and accurately to a teammate
The triangular hand shape created by thumbs and forefingers when preparing for a set shot
The position above the forehead where fingers make contact with the ball
The extension of arms and wrists after ball contact to direct the ball to the target
Athletic stance with knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, hands up ready to receive the ball
The gentle absorption of the ball's force by bending wrists and elbows slightly on contact
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Technical vocabulary development - learning and using sport-specific terminology. Verbal communication during partner work and games. Listening skills when receiving coaching and instruction. Speaking clearly when peer coaching. Descriptive language when reflecting on performance and technique.
Counting consecutive sets in rallies develops number sequencing. Calculating scores and bonus points provides mental arithmetic practice. Understanding angles of trajectory for set shots links to geometry. Measuring court dimensions and distances applies measurement skills. Statistical tracking of success rates (successful sets out of attempts) introduces data handling and percentages.
Forces acting on ball during set shot - push force, gravity, air resistance. Newton's Third Law - push down on ball and it pushes up. Trajectory physics - angle and force relationship. Muscular system - which muscles contract during set shot (triceps, deltoids, wrist extensors). Cardiovascular system - heart rate changes during warm-up, activity, and cool-down. Energy transfer from player through ball.
Use of iPad technology for video analysis of technique. Digital literacy when recording and reviewing footage. Understanding of how video feedback supports skill development. Potential for annotated video analysis using apps.
Spatial awareness - understanding positioning on court and in relation to others. Directions and orientation - front, back, left, right, diagonal movements. Mapping of court zones and tactical positioning. Understanding of personal and general space concepts.
Teamwork and cooperation during partner and group activities. Resilience and growth mindset when facing challenges with new skill. Managing emotions in competitive game situations. Communication and interpersonal skills development. Respect for others - fair play and sporting behaviour. Self-awareness through reflection on own performance. Health and wellbeing - importance of physical activity and its effects on body.
During warm-up and skill introduction: front and centre where all students can see demonstrations clearly. During partner practice: circulate continuously between pairs spending 15-20 seconds observing each pair, providing specific feedback. During game application: position at corner of playing area or between courts enabling visual monitoring of all game situations simultaneously. Move closer to courts requiring intervention. During cool-down: position in circle with students creating inclusive discussion environment.
Watch for: Hand shape and finger spread on every set attempt - this is fundamental technical point. Contact point above forehead not on top of head or too far forward. Evidence of push through fingers and wrists not just arm movement. Full follow through with arm extension toward target. Footwork and movement to position under ball. Communication between partners and within teams. Application of technique in game situations - does it transfer under pressure? Signs of frustration, fatigue, or injury requiring intervention. Students requiring additional support or ready for extension challenges.
Intervene immediately if: unsafe play observed (collisions, diving, net contact), incorrect technique becoming embedded (stop and correct before it becomes habit), equipment malfunction or hazard, student showing signs of injury or distress, dispute or negative behaviour between students, frustration leading to giving up (provide encouragement and support), activity clearly too easy or too difficult for group (adjust differentiation). Use brief teaching moments during activities rather than long stoppages - keep lesson flowing with quick, specific corrections.
Demonstrate from multiple angles ensuring all students have clear view. Use slow motion demonstration first to show each technical component separately, then full speed to show fluent technique. Recruit capable students to demonstrate alongside you providing peer modelling - this is powerful for learning. Show incorrect technique followed by correct technique for contrast - this clarifies what students should avoid. Use exaggeration on key points (very wide finger spread, very high contact point) for visibility and emphasis. Demonstrate in context - show set shot in isolation then in rally/game situation. Use video demonstrations where live demo isn't clearly visible. Repeat demonstrations multiple times throughout lesson as needed.
Minimum space: Full volleyball court (18m x 9m) or equivalent sports hall space. For 30 students, requires sufficient space for 15 pairs to work simultaneously with 3 metre spacing between pairs. Game application requires 2-3 mini-court areas approximately 6m x 4m each. Ceiling height minimum 4 metres to accommodate high set shots.
Indoor sports hall with non-slip surface required. Check floor is dry, clean, and free from dust or debris. Inspect for any trip hazards, loose floorboards, or damaged surface areas. Ensure floor markings are intact and not creating slip risks. Volleyball activity unsuitable on wet outdoor surface due to slip risk.
Stop all activity immediately on whistle blast if injury or safety concern arises. Assess situation quickly - minor injury can be managed with first aid kit available courtside. For suspected serious injury (fracture, concussion, severe strain), do not move student and follow school emergency procedures. Ensure other students moved to safe area away from incident with clear sightlines maintained. First aider or medical support contacted according to school policy. Incident recorded in accident book. Parents/guardians notified of any injury. Activity only resumes when safe to do so and all students settled.
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