By the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
- Demonstrate the correct basic skills in volleyball such as serving, passing, and rallying with proper technique and safety.
- Explain the different player positions and roles in a volleyball team and how they contribute to teamwork and scoring.
- Apply the rules and principles of volleyball during a simplified game situation to prevent faults and promote fair play.
- Volleyball – a net/wall game where players keep the ball from touching their court while sending it to the opponent’s side.
- Serve – the action that starts a rally by sending the ball over the net.
- Rally – a sequence of play starting with a serve and ending when the ball touches the ground or a fault occurs.
- Fault – a violation of the rules (e.g., ball out, touching the net, carrying the ball).
- Position – a designated role in the team (e.g., setter, libero, hitter, blocker).
- Teamwork – coordinated effort of players to keep the ball in play and score points.
Connect today’s volleyball lesson with yesterday’s badminton lesson.
- In badminton, a rally begins with a serve. How is this similar in volleyball?
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Both start with a serve. In badminton, the shuttlecock is served diagonally; in volleyball, the ball is served over the net to the opponent’s court. - In badminton, players cannot let the shuttlecock touch the ground inside their court. What is the volleyball equivalent of this rule?
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In volleyball, players must also prevent the ball from touching the ground in their court. - In badminton, a rally ends when the shuttlecock goes out or touches the net. How does this relate to volleyball?
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A volleyball rally ends when the ball goes outside the court, hits the net without crossing, or a fault occurs.
Opening Scene: Why Volleyball Matters
Imagine walking into a gym where a volleyball game is in full swing. The crowd is cheering, players are diving, jumping, setting, and spiking the ball. You might think: “This looks fun, but also a bit complicated.” Volleyball is more than just hitting a ball over the net. It is about strategy, timing, cooperation, and respecting rules. Just like badminton (from your previous lesson), volleyball is a net/wall game. But unlike badminton, volleyball is a team sport that demands communication and coordination. In this lesson, you will explore volleyball step by step: the rules, the basic skills, the team roles, and the strategies that make the game exciting. By the end, you will not only understand volleyball—you will be able to imagine yourself confidently joining a real game.
Part 1: The Nature of Volleyball
What is Volleyball? Volleyball is a sport where two teams, separated by a net, try to send the ball over the net to the opponent’s court and prevent it from touching their own court.
- Each team is usually composed of six players on the court at one time.
- The goal is to score points by grounding the ball on the opponent’s court while following the official rules.
- A rally begins with a serve and ends when the ball touches the ground, goes out of bounds, or a fault occurs.
Guiding Question: Why do you think teamwork is more important in volleyball than in badminton?
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Because volleyball requires several players working together to keep the ball in play. No single player can cover the whole court alone. Team roles and coordination are essential.Mini-Summary: Volleyball is a net/wall game similar to badminton but emphasizes teamwork, communication, and shared responsibility.
Part 2: The Volleyball Court and Equipment
The Playing Court
- Shape and Size: The court is a rectangle, 18 meters long and 9 meters wide.
- Center Line: Divides the court into two equal halves.
- Attack Line: A line 3 meters from the net, separating the front and back zones.
- Boundary Lines: Outline the playable area; if the ball lands outside, it is out.
The Net
- Height for men: 2.43 meters
- Height for women: 2.24 meters
The Ball
- Round, made of leather or synthetic material.
- Circumference: about 65–67 cm.
- Weight: about 260–280 grams.
Checkpoint Question: What happens if the ball touches the boundary line?
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The ball is considered in if it touches any part of the boundary line.Mini-Summary: Volleyball uses a rectangular court, a high net, and a lightweight ball. Knowing the playing space and equipment ensures fair play and safety.
Part 3: The Basic Skills
1) Serving
The serve is how every rally begins. It involves sending the ball over the net from behind the end line.
- Underhand Serve: Easier for beginners; the ball is struck from below the waist.
- Overhand Serve: More advanced; gives power and speed.
- Jump Serve: Used in competitive games; adds force and unpredictability.
Guiding Question: Why must the server stand behind the end line until the ball is hit?
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Because crossing the line before contacting the ball is a foot fault, which results in a point for the opponent.2) Passing (Forearm Pass)
Also called the bump, this is the act of receiving the ball using the forearms.
- Purpose: To control the opponent’s serve or spike and direct it to the setter.
- Technique: Keep arms straight, bend knees, and move under the ball.
Checkpoint Question: What happens if you bend your elbows while passing?
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The ball will bounce unpredictably and may not go to the setter, causing a loss of control.3) Setting
The set is an overhead pass that positions the ball for an attacker.
- Fingers form a triangle-like shape.
- Contact is soft and controlled.
- Sets must be accurate so hitters can spike effectively.
Guiding Question: Why is the setter often called the “playmaker” of the team?
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Because the setter decides which attacker will hit the ball and controls the flow of offense.4) Attacking (Spiking)
A spike is a forceful hit aimed at sending the ball to the opponent’s floor.
- Steps: Approach → Jump → Swing → Hit.
- Purpose: To score points by overpowering the defense.
Checkpoint Question: Why is timing important in spiking?
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If the hitter jumps too early or too late, the ball will not be hit cleanly, reducing the chance of scoring.5) Blocking
Blocking is a defensive skill to stop or slow down an opponent’s attack.
- Players jump near the net with arms raised.
- Can be single (one player) or double (two players).
Guiding Question: Why must blockers avoid touching the net?
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Because touching the net is a fault, giving the opponent a point.6) Digging
Digging is saving a ball that is close to the ground, usually from a spike. It requires quick reflexes and body positioning and is often done by defensive specialists (liberos).
Mini-Summary: The six basic skills—serve, pass, set, spike, block, dig—work together like gears in a machine. Missing one skill weakens the entire team’s play.
Part 4: The Rules of Volleyball
Starting Play
- A coin toss decides which team serves first.
- The server must hit the ball from behind the end line.
Scoring System
- A rally point system is used: every rally results in a point.
- A team wins a set by scoring 25 points (with at least a 2-point lead).
- A match is best-of-five sets.
Rotations
- Players rotate clockwise after winning a rally when the other team served.
- This ensures all players experience different positions.
Common Faults
- Touching the net.
- Carrying or holding the ball.
- Stepping over the center line.
- Double contact (a player touches the ball twice in a row, except after blocking).
Checkpoint Question: What happens if both teams commit a fault at the same time?
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The rally is replayed, called a re-serve.Mini-Summary: Volleyball rules protect fairness: proper serving, scoring, rotations, and fault recognition maintain the game’s integrity.
Part 5: Team Roles and Positions
- Setter – Controls offensive play and decides which hitter receives the ball.
- Outside Hitter (Left-side Hitter) – Attacks from the left front; often the primary scorer.
- Opposite Hitter (Right-side Hitter) – Attacks from the right front; blocks the opponent’s outside hitter.
- Middle Blocker – Specializes in blocking and quick attacks; plays near the center of the net.
- Libero – Defensive specialist, different jersey, excels in passing and digging; limited attacking/blocking.
- Defensive Specialist – Similar to libero but may serve depending on league rules.
Guiding Question: Why do you think roles are divided instead of letting all players do everything?
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Specialization ensures efficiency and expertise. Each role focuses on specific tasks, making teamwork stronger.Mini-Summary: Teamwork in volleyball depends on clearly defined roles and positions. Every player has a responsibility that contributes to the team’s success.
Part 6: Strategy and Tactics
Offensive Strategies
- Quick Attack: Fast set to confuse blockers.
- Combination Plays: Using multiple attackers to mislead defense.
- Targeting Weak Defenders: Sending attacks to players who struggle with passing.
Defensive Strategies
- Read Blocking: Anticipating where the ball will be set.
- Zone Defense: Each player covers a specific area.
- Rotation Defense: Players move depending on the opponent’s attack.
Checkpoint Question: Why is communication key in defense?
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Because without calling the ball, players may collide or leave gaps, leading to lost points.Mini-Summary: Volleyball strategy is about outsmarting the opponent through coordinated offense and defense.
Part 7: Safety in Volleyball
- Wear appropriate clothing and shoes.
- Warm up and stretch before playing.
- Avoid jewelry that may cause injury.
- Maintain hydration.
- Respect opponents and teammates.
Guiding Question: How does respecting opponents connect to fair play?
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Respect ensures the game is about skill and teamwork, not unfair advantages or dangerous actions.Part 8: Real-Life Applications
In Sports and Fitness – Volleyball develops agility, strength, reflexes, and team spirit.
In Daily Life – Learning teamwork in volleyball helps in group projects; quick decision-making in rallies trains you to make fast, smart choices; respecting rules in the game mirrors following laws in society.
Checkpoint Question: Can you think of one school situation where volleyball teamwork skills would help?
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Example: Working in a science group experiment, where each member has a role, just like in volleyball.Part 9: Checkpoints and Self-Reflection
- Which volleyball skill do you think you would learn fastest?
- Which role do you find most interesting, and why?
- How can you practice volleyball teamwork even without a ball or net?
Final Mini-Summary: Volleyball is a team-based net/wall game built on skills, rules, roles, and respect. From serving to spiking, from setting to defending, every part of the game requires cooperation.
References
- Olympics.com – How to play volleyball: rules and basics.
- Local PE curriculum notes and teacher guides for net/wall games safety and etiquette.
- Serving Legally (Underhand Serve)
Task: From behind the end line, execute a legal underhand serve to Zone 5.
- Non-dominant foot forward; toes behind the end line.
- Hold ball at waist level; palm up.
- Swing arm like a pendulum; contact below the waist.
- Follow through toward target; step after contact.
- Watch for net clearance and in-bounds landing.
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A legal underhand serve keeps both feet behind the line until contact, strikes below the waist, and lands in (lines count). Stepping on/over the line before contact is a foot fault. - Forearm Pass to Target (Reception)
Task: Receive a fast serve to your midline and pass to the setter at front-right.
- Move feet first to square midline.
- Lock elbows; flat platform; thumbs parallel.
- Angle platform to front-right.
- Extend legs and shoulders together; no arm swing.
- Hold finish to check angle.
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The pass should arc toward front-right. Power comes from legs and body lift. If it drifts, adjust platform angle and leg drive. - Setting a High Outside Ball
Task: Deliver a high, hittable set to the outside hitter (left front).
- Face left antenna; feet shoulder-width.
- Hands form a window above forehead; finger contact.
- Absorb then extend hips/knees/elbows to lift.
- Aim 1–1.5 m off the net, peaking at hitter’s approach.
- Communicate and cover.
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A good outside set peaks ahead of the hitter’s path, 1–1.5 m off the net. Smooth contact avoids doubles; step earlier if it drifts into the tape. - Three-Step Spike Approach
Task: Hit an outside ball using a 3-step approach (Right-hander: Left–Right–Left).
- Start wide; read set height.
- Accelerate steps: Left–Right–Left.
- Arms back during steps; drive both up to jump.
- Contact high in front; snap wrist down.
- Land softly; recover.
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Drive the ball down into open court or high hands. Long/out hits usually mean late contact or open wrist; meet earlier and snap down. - Read Block vs. Quick Attack
Task: You are middle blocker vs. a quick set.
- Eyes: ball → setter → hitter.
- Short read-step; hands high.
- Jump straight up; penetrate hands over tape.
- Seal seam with outside blocker if redirected.
- Land balanced; re-block or transition.
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Quick attacks demand early, vertical read blocks with hand penetration to reduce seams and tools.
- Rule ID: Name two actions that cause a fault at the net.
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Touching the net; reaching over to interfere; illegal plane break; equipment/body contacting net. - Rotation Logic: Your team wins a rally while receiving. What happens to your rotation?
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Rotate clockwise and your team gains the serve. - Serve Type Choice: Choose underhand or overhand for a brand-new player. Why?
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Underhand: simpler timing, reliable below-waist contact, fewer foot faults. - Forearm Pass Fix: Passes fly too high/behind you. Name a tweak.
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Reduce platform angle; use legs for lift; keep elbows locked; steady shoulders. - Set Location: Where should a high outside set peak?
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Roughly 1–1.5 m off the net, slightly ahead of the hitter’s approach path. - Spike Control: Ball keeps sailing long.
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Contact earlier/higher with a firm wrist snap for a downward path. - Defensive Talk: Shallow tip to your 3 m zone—who calls it and why?
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Back-row defenders (libero/DS) call “Tip short!” to prevent collisions and close gaps. - Zone Targeting: Name two serve targets that pressure passers.
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Deep corners (Zones 1 or 5) and seams between receivers. - Libero Limits: What can the libero not do?
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Cannot attack above net height; cannot block; serving may be restricted by league. - Fair Play: Give one action that shows global sportsmanship.
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Admitting a net touch; helping an opponent up; respectful communication with officials.
- The rally begins with a…
- pass
- set
- serve
- spike
- A ball touching the sideline is…
- out
- in
- replay
- fault on server
- Best first choice for a beginner’s serve:
- jump serve
- float serve
- underhand serve
- topspin serve
- The playmaker role is usually the…
- libero
- setter
- middle
- opposite
- A legal forearm pass emphasizes:
- bent elbows
- locked elbows and platform
- wrist flick
- shoulder-only lift
- On a quick attack, the middle blocker should:
- drift wide
- jump early with hands over tape
- stay flat-footed
- wait for contact sound
- After winning a rally while receiving, your team:
- keeps rotation
- rotates counterclockwise
- rotates clockwise and serves
- loses serve
- Which is a net fault?
- Landing in-bounds
- Contacting the ball twice after block
- Touching the net during a play
- Calling “mine”
- Explain why communication reduces defensive errors.
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Calling the ball (“mine,” “short,” “line”) prevents collisions and fills coverage gaps, improving dig success. - Describe a safe warm-up routine before volleyball.
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5–7 minutes light jog; dynamic leg swings; arm circles; shoulder/hip mobility; ankle/knee prep; activation (glute bridges, calf raises). - How does targeting serve zones affect the opponent’s offense?
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Deep/seam serves force poor passes, limiting quick sets and making attacks predictable for blockers. - Why should an outside set usually be 1–1.5 m off the net?
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Keeps ball out of the tape, gives hitter space for approach/angle, reduces stuff-block risk. - You’re a libero; the serve is short to Zone 3. What’s your call and move?
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Call “Short tip!” and sprint forward to dig with a controlled forearm or pancake save. - Your outside hitter faces a strong double block. Name one safer scoring option.
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Tool the outside hand, roll shot to empty zone, or hit high off-hands deep to keep ball in play or score. - Your team keeps foot-faulting on serve. Suggest a corrective routine.
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Serve box drill: mark start spot behind line; practice plant–contact–step sequence, emphasizing contact before step.
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Multiple Choice Key: 1) C 2) B 3) C 4) B 5) B 6) B 7) C 8) C
- Rotation Board: Draw the six-on-court rotation and annotate each role.
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Show positions 1–6 clockwise; note setter/opposite, libero subs, and basic serve-receive shapes. - Serve Map Project: Sketch five serve targets vs. a strong outside team with reasons.
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Deep corners and seams disrupt approach timing and force high passes, slowing offense. - Defensive Systems Comparison: Compare rotation vs. perimeter defense in one paragraph.
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Rotation shifts to expected lanes; perimeter guards corners/lines. Each trades off vs. tips and line shots. - Setter Decision Log: Watch a set and log 10 sets (where, why, result).
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Note patterns: matchups, pass quality, hot hitters, blocker positions; evaluate outcomes for future calls. - Fair Play Case Study: Write a short scenario showing global sportsmanship in a tense rally.
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Example: Player admits a fingertip block touch; point awarded fairly; both teams gain respect and focus on skill.
Choose ONE:
- Short Writing: Which volleyball role do I aspire to (setter, libero, hitter, blocker), and what two habits will I build to fit that role?
- Guiding Questions: (1) What did I understand best today, and why? (2) What confused me, and how will I clarify it? (3) How can I practice safely and respectfully with classmates?
- 3–2–1: 3 things I learned • 2 questions I still have • 1 commitment for next practice.

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