Volleyball Skills, Rules, Officials and Safety for Primary 4

Volleyball

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. perform basic skills volleyball.

Meaning of Volleyball

Volleyball is a team sport played by two teams on a court divided by a net. The goal of the game is to hit a ball over the net so that it lands on the opponent’s side of the court, and to prevent the ball from landing on one’s own side.

Players use their hands and arms to hit the ball. The game is fun and helps to keep the body active and healthy.

Volleyball Skills Techniques

To play volleyball well, players need to learn and practise several important skills. These skills help players control the ball and score points. The main skills in volleyball include serving, volleying, digging, spiking, and blocking.

Service

Service is the skill used to start a rally in volleyball. A player stands behind the end line of the court and hits the ball over the net into the opponent’s court. The aim is to hit the ball in a way that makes it difficult for the other team to return.

How to Perform a Basic Underhand Service

The underhand service is a good way for beginners to start the game. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Stand behind the end line of the court, facing the net.
2. Hold the ball in one hand, slightly in front of the body and at waist level.
3. Make a fist with the other hand, with the thumb on the outside.
4. Swing the fisted arm backwards, then forward to hit the ball.
5. Hit the ball with the flat part of the fist, aiming to send it over the net.
6. Follow through with the hitting arm in the direction of the ball.

Volleying (Overhead Pass)

Volleying, also known as an overhead pass, is a skill used to set up an attack or to pass the ball to a teammate. Players use their fingertips to push the ball upwards and forwards, usually above their head. This skill requires good control and soft hands.

How to Perform Volleying

Volleying helps to direct the ball to a teammate for the next hit. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Get under the ball with the knees bent and feet shoulder-width apart.
2. Form a triangle with the thumbs and index fingers of both hands, holding them above the forehead.
3. Keep the elbows out and fingers spread wide, ready to contact the ball.
4. As the ball comes down, push it upwards with the fingertips, extending the arms and legs.
5. Aim to send the ball high and accurately to a teammate.

Digging (Underhand Pass)

Digging, also called an underhand pass or bump, is a skill used to receive a hard-hit ball from the opponent. Players join their forearms together and use them to bounce the ball upwards. This skill is important for keeping the ball from hitting the ground and continuing the rally.

How to Perform Digging

Digging is used to receive a fast ball. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Bend the knees deeply and get low to the ground.
2. Join the forearms together, keeping them straight and flat. One hand should be placed over the other, with thumbs together and pointing downwards.
3. Keep the arms extended in front of the body.
4. As the ball approaches, use the forearms to bump the ball upwards.
5. Do not swing the arms; instead, use the legs and body to push the ball.
6. Aim to send the ball high towards a teammate.

Spiking

Spiking is a powerful attacking skill used to hit the ball downwards into the opponent’s court. A player jumps high near the net and hits the ball with an open hand, aiming to make it difficult for the opponent to return. Spiking is often done after a teammate has volleyed the ball.

How to Perform a Basic Spike

Spiking is an attacking move. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Approach the net with a few steps, timing the jump with the ball’s position.
2. Jump high into the air, reaching for the ball with one arm.
3. Swing the hitting arm back, then forward, hitting the ball with an open hand.
4. Hit the top of the ball, aiming to drive it downwards over the net.
5. Land safely on both feet after hitting the ball.

Blocking

Blocking is a defensive skill used to stop an opponent’s spike from coming over the net. Players jump at the net with their hands raised high, trying to form a wall to block the ball. This skill helps to protect the team’s side of the court from powerful attacks.

How to Perform a Basic Block

Blocking helps to defend against spikes. The procedure involves the following steps:

1. Stand close to the net, facing the opponent’s side.
2. Watch the opponent who is about to spike the ball.
3. Jump straight up into the air, extending both arms and hands above the net.
4. Keep the fingers spread wide and hands firm, forming a barrier.
5. Try to push the hands slightly over the net without touching it.
6. Land safely on both feet after the jump.