Foundations to Fluency
•Year 8
•Volleyball
•Distributed around court perimeter for easy access; ensure correct inflation (0.3-0.325 kg/cm²)
Alternative: Soft touch volleyballs, foam volleyballs for modified games
Mark 9m x 18m courts (or scaled 6m x 12m for smaller spaces), clearly define boundaries and attack lines
Alternative: Court line markers, chalk lines, existing court markings
Distribute to one team per game to distinguish sides clearly
Alternative: Wristbands, team colours, existing PE kit colours
Use for starting/stopping play and highlighting teaching points
Alternative: Voice commands, hand signals
Position courtside for students to track scores independently
Alternative: Students keep mental score, score apps on tablet
A soft attacking shot where the ball is gently tipped over the net with fingertips rather than spiked with power, used to deceive defenders
The clockwise movement of players to new positions on court when their team wins the serve, ensuring all players experience different roles
The strategic positioning of players to defend all areas of the court effectively, minimising gaps
Understanding game situations and making smart decisions about which skills to use, where to aim, and how to position yourself
The first contact after an opponent's serve, typically using bump/dig technique to control the ball for the setter
A defensive skill where front row players jump at the net with arms extended to deflect or stop an opponent's attack
The continuous exchange of shots between teams from the serve until a point is scored
The line 3 metres from the net; back row players must jump from behind this line when attacking
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Technical vocabulary development (tip, spike, bump, set, dig, block). Following and giving instructions during activities. Communication skills through on-court verbal cues. Reflection and articulation of learning during plenary. Descriptive language for movement and tactics. Listening skills during demonstrations and explanations.
Scoring systems and addition of points to 15. Understanding court dimensions and geometry (9m x 18m rectangles). Angles of ball trajectory for serves and spikes. Calculating win margins and statistics. Understanding rotation patterns and numerical sequencing (positions 1-6). Symmetry of court layout and player positioning.
Forces acting on ball during different skills (spike power vs tip finesse). Newton's third law in jumping actions. Trajectory and gravity affecting ball flight. Cardiovascular response to exercise intensity during games. Muscle groups used in volleyball actions (quadriceps in jumping, deltoids in serving/spiking). Energy systems during prolonged rallies. Friction between shoes and court surface affecting movement.
Spatial awareness and court coverage strategies. Understanding zones and territorial division (front row, back row). Mapping movement patterns during rotation. Directional language (clockwise rotation, cross-court shots). Origins of volleyball and global spread of the sport. International volleyball competitions and participating nations.
Teamwork and collaboration essential for volleyball success. Communication skills development through game play. Resilience and coping with setbacks when losing points or games. Leadership opportunities through captaincy and directing teammates. Respect and sportsmanship towards opponents. Managing competitive emotions appropriately. Building confidence through skill mastery. Celebrating others' achievements not just personal success.
Position centrally during game play with clear view of all courts. During skill practices, position where all groups visible but circulate to provide individual feedback. Stand at net during tip shot demonstrations ensuring all students have clear view. Join circle during cool down creating inclusive community atmosphere.
During games observe: Are all skills being applied? Is rotation occurring correctly? Is communication happening? Are tactical decisions appropriate? During skill work observe: Is technique correct? Are students engaged? Is differentiation needed? Overall observe: Is environment safe? Are all students participating? Is atmosphere positive and supportive?
Intervene if: Safety compromised in any way. Technique significantly incorrect risking injury. Student struggling and becoming disengaged. Poor sportsmanship displayed. Game rules not being followed. Rotation confusion preventing game flow. Tactical understanding absent. Individual student needs support or challenge adjustment.
Demonstrate all skills clearly before practice using exaggerated movements for visibility. Use skilled students for peer demonstrations when possible to provide relatable models. Show common mistakes alongside correct technique to clarify expectations. Break complex skills into component parts demonstrating each separately. For tip shot specifically, show side-by-side comparison with spike to highlight deceptive element. Always check understanding through questioning after demonstrations.
Minimum indoor sports hall 20m x 30m or outdoor hard court area for multiple 6v6 games; regulation volleyball court 9m x 18m per game (can scale to 7m x 14m for smaller spaces); adequate runoff space minimum 2m beyond all court boundaries
Indoor: Clean, dry sports hall floor free from moisture, debris, or court marking residue creating slip hazards. Outdoor: Even tarmac or sports court surface checked for cracks, holes, or uneven areas. No loose stones or gravel.
Stop all activity immediately using whistle and verbal 'STOP' command. Assess injured student while other students remain in safe positions away from incident. Provide appropriate first aid following school protocols. Send responsible student to fetch additional help if needed. Complete accident report form according to school policy. Contact parents/guardians if injury requires medical attention. Review incident to identify if additional safety measures required.
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