Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Volleyball – Improvising The Volleyball Equipment Notes
Subject: Physical and Health Education
Topic: Volleyball
Subtopic: Improvising the Volleyball Equipment (Age 10 — Kenya)
Practical ideas for making safe and low-cost volleyball equipment using common Kenyan school/home materials.
Specific Learning Outcomes
- Identify parts of volleyball equipment and name safe local materials to replace them.
- Make an improvised volleyball and court markers using everyday materials.
- Set up a safe, scaled-down volleyball court using sticks, rope and markers.
- Show basic volleyball skills (serve, bump, set) while using improvised equipment and demonstrate teamwork and fair play.
- Explain safety and hygiene rules when using improvised equipment.
Materials (common and low-cost)
- Old socks, cloth, newspaper, plastic bags, string/rope (sisal or cotton).
- Sticks, poles, or thin bamboo for posts; strong rope or clothesline for a net.
- Stones, empty plastic bottles, tins or chalk/ash for court lines and markers.
- Spare cloth for knee/elbow pads, whistle (optional) or empty plastic bottle for referee sound.
- Scissors, tape, strong twine or sisal for tying.
How to make an improvised volleyball (3 easy options)
- Tightly wrapped cloth ball (soft & safe):
Roll several pieces of old cloth or torn T-shirts into a tight ball. Wrap with string or tape until firm but soft enough to catch. Cover with an outer cloth for grip.
- Newspaper + plastic bag (light ball):
Crumple newspapers into a tight ball. Put inside a plastic bag and tie. Add more layers until the size is right. Wrap with tape or cloth to keep shape.
- Sock ball (fast method):
Fill a clean long sock with smaller socks or cloth, tie the open end tightly with string. For durability, put another sock over it and tape the ends.
How to make an improvised net and posts
- Posts: Use two strong sticks or bamboo (about 2 m high if available). Push into the ground or tie to nearby trees at chosen height.
- Net: Tie rope or clothesline between posts. If rope is thin, loop around to make a visible line. Hang a cloth strip at the top to make the net line clearer.
- Low/net for younger players: Set the rope at lower height (about 1.5 m or lower for 10-year-olds).
Marking the court
- Use stones, empty plastic bottles, or cones made from cut plastic bottles to show corners.
- Draw lines with chalk or use ash on dusty ground. A smaller court (6–8 m by 4–6 m) is good for children aged 10.
- Keep space clear around court for safety (no sharp stones or sticks).
Safety and hygiene rules
- Check materials: no sharp objects, broken glass or nails in balls or posts.
- Make sure posts are secure and rope has no loose knots that may snap.
- Players should warm up before playing and take off sharp jewelry.
- Wash hands and any cloth used for balls; avoid sharing cloth over face.
- Stop if someone is hurt and treat cuts or scrapes immediately.
Suggested learning experiences (lesson ideas)
1) Starter (10 minutes)
Teacher shows example materials and leads a short discussion: "What can we use instead of a volleyball? Where can we find these at school or at home?"
2) Making session (20–30 minutes)
In groups of 4–6, pupils collect materials and make one or two improvised balls and a simple net. Teacher checks safety and gives tips (tight wrapping, strong knots).
3) Setting up the court (10–15 minutes)
Each group marks a small court using stones/bottles and sets posts/rope at a suitable height chosen by teacher.
4) Skill practice and mini games (25–30 minutes)
Teach basic actions (underhand serve, bump/pass, set). Play short rallies (max 3 touches each side). Rotate teams so everyone practices serving and bumping. Encourage teamwork and cheering.
5) Reflection and clean-up (10 minutes)
Groups talk about what worked, where equipment can be improved, and demonstrate how to keep things clean and safe. Collect materials and store safely.
Assessment ideas (for teacher)
- Observe pupils making equipment: Can they make a safe, useable ball and tie a secure knot?
- During play: Do pupils use basic volleyball skills correctly and follow safety rules?
- Short oral questions: Ask 2–3 pupils to explain how to keep equipment clean and safe.
Extension activities and ideas
- Challenge: Improve your ball to last 1 week of play — test and redesign.
- Math link: Measure and compare court sizes; use string as a measuring tool.
- Art link: Decorate balls and markers with school colours; discuss why bright colours help safety.
Quick tips:
- Make balls soft for younger children to reduce injury risk.
- Use lower net height for age 10 so rallies are longer and fun.
- Keep a small first-aid kit nearby during activities.
Prepared for Kenyan primary pupils (age 10). Teacher may adapt times and group sizes to suit class size and available materials.