Foundations & Skills
•Year 9
•Volleyball
•Check inflation pressure (0.3-0.325 kg/cm²), distribute around court perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Softer training volleyballs or beach volleyballs for students with hand sensitivity
Ensure charged, CoachesEye or similar video analysis app installed, storage space available
Alternative: Smartphones, tablets, or video cameras with tripods if iPads unavailable
Mark multiple practice zones (3m x 3m areas), target zones near net, game court boundaries
Alternative: Chalk lines, tape on floor, existing court markings
Use to create target zones, practice areas, and game boundaries
Alternative: Marker spots, small objects, or tape marks on floor
Set for activity intervals and transitions
Alternative: Visible sports hall clock, interval timer app with audio alerts
An overhead pass using fingertips to direct the ball precisely to a teammate, typically the second touch in a three-touch sequence
The pads at the ends of the fingers used to control and direct the ball during a set, providing cushioning and accuracy
The continued extension of arms and wrists after ball contact, directing towards the intended target to ensure accuracy
Athletic stance with knees bent, feet shoulder-width apart, hands raised and ready at chest height to move quickly to the ball
An advanced technique where the ball is set backwards over the head to a teammate behind, used to deceive opponents
The curved path the ball travels through the air, influenced by force, angle, and spin applied during the set
The process of recording and reviewing technique on camera to identify strengths and areas for improvement
The study of how body movements and forces affect sport performance, including joint angles, muscle activation, and force production
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Technical vocabulary acquisition and correct usage in context. Providing clear verbal instructions and explanations to partners. Active listening skills during teacher instructions and peer feedback. Analysing and evaluating technique using descriptive language. Articulating reasoning using causal connectives (because, therefore, as a result). Presenting findings from video analysis to groups. Reading and interpreting written task instructions and checklists.
Calculating angles of ball trajectory for optimal sets. Measuring and marking court dimensions using Pythagorean theorem for diagonal measurements. Analysing statistics from games: successful sets/total attempts calculating percentages. Plotting ball flight paths on coordinate grids. Understanding arc trajectory mathematics (parabolic motion). Estimating distances for court positioning and spatial judgements. Using ratios to understand court dimensions and proportional spacing.
Biomechanics: force production through kinetic chain from legs through trunk to arms. Newton's laws of motion applied to ball trajectory (equal and opposite reaction, inertia). Muscular system: identifying muscles used in setting (deltoids, triceps, wrist flexors, quadriceps). Cardiovascular response to exercise: heart rate elevation during games, recovery during cool-down. Physics of ball spin affecting flight path and bounce characteristics. Leverage and mechanical advantage in body movements. Energy systems: anaerobic energy during short intense rallies.
Using video analysis apps/software for technique review. Understanding slow-motion replay functionality. Recording, storing, and retrieving video files appropriately. Annotation tools to highlight technique points in videos. Comparing live performance to digital recordings. E-safety: appropriate filming (only filming assigned partners, keeping videos private). Digital literacy: navigating iPad interfaces and apps efficiently.
Spatial awareness and mental mapping of court positions and team formations. Directional language: positioning players using cardinal directions and court zones. Understanding volleyball's global popularity and cultural significance in different countries. Olympic Games geography: countries competing in volleyball at elite level. Using bird's-eye view diagrams to plan formations showing cartographic understanding.
Teamwork and cooperation: working effectively in pairs and small teams towards shared goals. Resilience: persisting with challenging technique practice, bouncing back from errors. Managing emotions: dealing with frustration when techniques don't work immediately, maintaining composure under game pressure. Communication skills: providing constructive feedback, calling for ball clearly, encouraging teammates. Leadership: organising team tactics, supporting less confident peers. Self-assessment and goal-setting for personal development. Growth mindset: understanding skills develop through practice not fixed ability. Fair play and sporting behaviour: respecting opponents, accepting decisions, celebrating others' success.
Position at corner location providing sight lines to both courts during 4v4 games, allowing equitable observation time for each. During drill work, actively circulate through pairs spending 30-45 seconds observing each pair's technique. Stand at front centre during demonstration phases ensuring all students can see clearly. During video analysis investigation, move continuously between pairs listening to discussions and prompting deeper analysis. Create predictable circulation pattern so students know you'll observe them regularly maintaining accountability.
PRIMARY FOCUS: Setting technique components - look for triangle hand shape above forehead, fingertip contact (listen for soft pop sound not slap), knee bend with upward drive, follow-through pointing at target. SECONDARY FOCUS: Movement patterns - quick feet to position under ball, balanced stance at contact, recovery to ready position. TACTICAL FOCUS: Decision-making in games - when students choose to set vs dig, positioning to support setter, communication between teammates. INCLUSION FOCUS: Ensure all students getting equal opportunities to touch ball, watch for any students being excluded or self-excluding and intervene.
IMMEDIATE INTERVENTION REQUIRED: Unsafe behaviour (overly aggressive play, ignoring boundaries, equipment misuse), incorrect technique causing injury risk (palming ball repeatedly, poor landing mechanics), exclusion of students from activity, escalating conflict between students. PROMPT INTERVENTION: Technique breaking down under pressure requiring reminder of key teaching points, lack of communication within teams preventing success, equipment setup issues preventing proper practice, one student dominating ball touches. OBSERVATIONAL INTERVENTION: Note patterns for group teaching point in next stoppage rather than interrupting flow, identify students ready for extension challenges, recognise excellent examples for whole-class sharing.
ALWAYS demonstrate correct technique yourself or use skilled student demonstrator before students practice. Use EXAGGERATION in demonstrations to make key points visible from distance (really emphasise knee bend, large triangle hand shape). Demonstrate from MULTIPLE ANGLES - front, side, back - so students see complete picture. Show COMMON MISTAKES followed by correct technique to highlight differences. Use SLOW MOTION demonstration initially then full speed. Provide VERBAL COMMENTARY during demonstration: 'Watch my hands forming triangle... now see my knees bend... ball contacts fingertips... arms follow through.' Repeat demonstration multiple times, not just once. During game application, use brief timeouts to highlight excellent student examples as live demonstrations for peers.
Full sports hall or gymnasium minimum 18m x 18m for two concurrent 4v4 courts plus safety buffer zones. Minimum 1.5-metre clear space around all court boundaries. 3-metre buffer between adjacent courts during game play. Adequate space for warm-up activities with students 2-3 metres apart. Ceiling height minimum 7 metres to accommodate ball trajectory (check facility specifications).
Indoor sports hall with non-slip, even surface essential. Check for water, dust, or debris before lesson start. Verify floor markings are intact and visible. Ensure no protruding equipment, loose tiles, or damaged flooring. Floor should be appropriate for volleyball (sprung wooden floor ideal, avoid concrete which increases impact injury risk). Mat down any cables or hazards with appropriate covers.
In event of injury: STOP all activity immediately using loud voice and/or whistle. Send responsible student to alert reception/office for first aid support if required. Provide immediate first aid within training scope (ice for impact injuries, elevation for sprains, etc.). Complete accident report form noting: date, time, activity, injury mechanism, first aid provided, witnesses. Contact parent/guardian if injury requires further medical attention. Never move student with potential spinal injury - wait for medical professionals. For minor injuries (light ball strike, minor trip), assess whether student can continue or requires rest period. Have basic first aid kit easily accessible in sports hall. Know location of nearest AED device in facility. Ensure emergency contact information for all students readily available.
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