Basic Volleyball Tactics
Primary 6 · Physical Education
Basic Volleyball Tactics
Lesson 4 of 4
20 min
Let's begin
The first time P6 plays a full game, everybody crowds into the middle of the court. The other team simply drops the ball into the empty corners, again and again. "Everyone has a place and a job," says the teacher. "Let's make a plan."
Today you will put the pass, the set, the spike and the block together, and play a game with a plan for serving, receiving, attacking and defending.
Stand in a circle of five and keep the ball up with bumps and sets. Count out loud, and remember: nobody touches it twice in a row. Then take turns to serve 5 balls each.
In a full game each team has 6 players on the court, and players rotate one place clockwise each time their team wins the serve back. Top teams give players special jobs:
In class games, take turns in every job, so everyone learns them all.
The setter waits at the net. The other five stand in a W so that the court has no big holes. Whoever the ball comes to calls "Mine!", moves their feet, and bumps the ball to the setter. The others turn to face the player receiving it, ready to help.
After the pass, the hitters move out to the side, ready to make their approach. While your hitter attacks, the rest of the team does not just watch. They cover: they crouch close around the hitter, so that if the other team blocks the ball straight back, someone can dig it up.
"Mine!" (I've got it), "Out!" (let it drop, it is going out), "Free!" (an easy ball is coming), "Cover!" (get around the hitter). Remember: a ball that touches the line is in.
Play 4 against 4 on a smaller court, or 6 against 6 if you have space, with a net or a rope. Use rally scoring and play to 15 points. Rotate each time your team wins the serve back. Before each game, agree in your team: who sets, where you serve, and who calls "Out!"
Be honest: if you touched the net, or the ball touched you before going out, say so. Shake hands under the net at the end. Then walk, stretch your arms, shoulders and legs, drink water and wash your hands.
Warning
Stay safe
Tip
Serve it in. Receive in a W. Pass, set, hit, COVER!
And when they attack: block at the net, dig behind it, and call "Free!" for an easy ball.
Try each one first, then tap Show answer to check.
Where does the setter stand while the other team serves?
Answer: At the net, waiting for the first pass.
What shape do the five receivers make?
Answer: A W, so that there are no big holes in the court.
Your hitter is about to spike. What should the players around her do?
Answer: Cover: crouch close around her, ready to dig the ball if it is blocked straight back.
Name two good places to aim a serve.
Answer: Any two of: a gap between two players, a corner, deep near the end line.
The ball lands exactly on the side line. Is it in or out?
Answer: In. A ball touching the line is in.
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
Match each player to their job.
Tap one on the left, then its partner on the right.
