Teams:

• Each team has six players on the court at a time.
• Teams can make substitutions during stoppages in play.

           Scoring:

• A point is scored on every rally, regardless of which team serves.
• Volleyball is played in sets, with the first team to reach 25 points (and have a two-point lead) winning the set.
• Often, the first team to win 2 sets are the overall winners.
• If the match reaches a deciding set (e.g. both teams have won 1 set), the deciding set is often played to 15 points (with a two-point lead).

           Serve:

• The game begins with a serve from the right-back position.
• The server must stand behind the back boundary line (the end line or service line) and serve the ball over the net to the opposing team.
• The ball must clear the net and land in the opponent's court for the serve to be legal.
• Whichever team wins the rally, they score a point and serve next.

           Rotation:

• Players rotate positions clockwise when their team wins the serve.
• The player in the right-back position becomes the server.
• Players must maintain their rotational order throughout the set.

           Rally:

• The objective of the game is to ground the ball in the opponent's court or force the opponent to commit a fault.
• Common ways to score points include hitting the ball over the net and into the opponent's court, causing the opponent to make an error (e.g. hitting the ball out of bounds or into the net), or blocking an opponent's attack so that it lands in their own court.

           Touches:

• A team is allowed a maximum of three touches (contacts) to return the ball over the net and into the opponent's court.
• The first touch is usually a ‘bump’ or ‘pass’ to control the ball and direct it to a teammate.
• The second touch is typically a ‘set’ by a different player, positioning the ball for a potential attack by a hitter.
• The third touch is the ‘attack’ or ‘spike’, where a player attempts to send the ball over the net with power and accuracy to score a point.

           Net Play:

• Players are not allowed to touch the net with any part of their body while the ball is in play. This includes reaching over the net into the opponent's space.
• A ball that hits the net during a serve and goes over into the opponent's court is considered a legal serve and remains in play.

           Faults - common faults in volleyball include:

• A ball landing out of bounds.
• A ball touching the floor on one's own side of the net.
• Double hits (two consecutive contacts by the same player).
• Carrying or lifting the ball during a contact.
• Stepping on or over the centerline under the net (except for follow-through after a hit).
• Reaching over the net to block a ball before or as it crosses the net.

           Timeouts:

• Each team is typically allowed two timeouts per set.
• Timeouts are used for strategy discussions or to break the opposing team's momentum.

In Upper Key Stage 2 Volleyball, children should learn to perform and combine skills, at speed, with confidence and control.  Children should choose and apply skills that meet the needs of the situation such as shot selection, height, depth and speed. Our Year 5 Volleyball lesson plans give children an opportunity to play competitively, using tactics to deceive their opponents.  Through cooperative and competitive rallies, children can see and celebrate their success.

Volleyball lessons play an important role in primary school PE.  They provide opportunities for children to use running, jumping, throwing and catching in game situations, and continue to develop balance, strength, agility and control. Volleyball lessons also give children a chance to participate in competitive games, using basic skills and knowledge to make it difficult for the opposition. Primary School Volleyball is also great for promoting values such as fair play and for helping children develop confidence, control and whole-body fitness.

All PE Planning lesson plans are created by PE Specialists, and all follow the PE Curriculum. Each lesson plan includes full guidance, and all the resources required to deliver a complete Unit of Work. Download fun, engaging and rewarding Volleyball PE lesson plans kS2 pupils will love.  Best of all, our Volleyball plans are quick and easy to follow, making your life easier!