Introduction to Volleyball
Primary 4 · Physical Education
Introduction to Volleyball
Lesson 1 of 3
15 min
Let's begin
On a visit to the beach at Lake Kivu, Keza watches some young people playing volleyball. The ball flies over the net again and again, but nobody ever catches it. They hit it with their arms and hands!
In volleyball you hit the ball, you never hold it. Today you will learn how every rally starts, with a serve, and how to receive it.
Two teams play on a court with a high net across the middle. A team scores a point when the ball touches the floor on the other team's side. Each team may touch the ball up to three times before it goes back over the net, and nobody may catch or hold it.
Jog around the court, then do arm circles, wrist rolls and a few gentle squats. Volleyball uses your shoulders, wrists and knees a lot, so get them ready.
Every rally begins with a serve. The server stands behind the end line.
Beginners can serve from a few metres inside the court, then step back as they get stronger.
The best way to receive a serve is the forearm pass (some people call it the "bump" or the "dig").
Warning
Stay safe
Tip
Platform, not swing!
Thumbs together, arms straight, legs push. Your arms are a flat table for the ball to bounce off, not a bat.
Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.
Where must the server stand?
Answer: Behind the end line.
Byiringiro is right-handed. Which foot should he put in front when he serves?
Answer: His left foot, the one opposite his hitting hand.
Which part of your arms should the ball hit in a forearm pass?
Answer: The forearms, just above the wrists.
Umutoni's forearm passes fly far behind her. She swings her arms up hard. What should she change?
Answer: Keep her arms still as a platform and push gently with her legs instead of swinging her arms.
What you learned today
Sources and credits
This lesson adapts CC BY-SA material and is shared under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Quick check
Put the steps of the underarm serve in order.
Tap the cards in the right order.
