Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Volleyball – Over Arm Serve Notes
Volleyball: Over-Arm Serve
Physical and Health Education — Age 11 (Kenya)
The over-arm serve is a way to start play by hitting the ball over the net with your hand above your head. We practise it in school PE lessons and at local games.
Equipment & place
- Volleyball (properly pumped)
- Net (school net or marked rope at the right height)
- Comfortable shoes and sportswear (no jewellery)
- Play in the school hall, court, or a flat playground
Warm-up (5–10 minutes)
- Jog on the spot for 1 minute
- Arm circles (10 forwards, 10 backwards)
- Shoulder stretches and wrist rolls
- Light passing with a friend (bump for 1 minute)
Step-by-step: How to do an over-arm serve
- Stand behind the service line. Right foot slightly forward if you are right-handed (left foot if left-handed).
- Hold the ball in your non-dominant hand at chest height.
- Raise the ball in front of you to about eye level.
- Bring your hitting arm back and bend the elbow. Keep your eyes on the ball.
- Step forward with your front foot, swing your hitting arm forward and strike the ball with an open hand (the heel of the palm) above your head.
- Follow through: your hand continues towards the target and your body leans forward slightly.
Simple tips for better serves
- Toss the ball a little in front of you — not too high. A good toss makes the serve easier.
- Keep your eyes on the ball until you hit it.
- Use your legs and step forward for power — don’t only use the arm.
- Aim at a spot on the other side of the court, not just over the net.
Common mistakes & how to fix them
- Hitting the ball too low — toss the ball a bit higher (eye level).
- Standing still — step forward to add power.
- Closed hand or fingers — use a flat open hand (heel of the palm).
- Eyes leave the ball too early — keep focus until contact.
Safety
- Tie shoelaces and remove jewellery.
- Make sure the court is not wet or full of stones.
- Do not serve until the teacher says “serve”.
Practice drills (fun & simple)
- Wall serve: Stand 3–4 metres from a wall and practise hitting the ball against it over a marked line.
- Target serve: Place a hoop or cone on the other side. Try to serve into the hoop.
- Partner rally: One serves, the partner tries to receive and pass back. Count how many in a row.
Success checklist for teachers (observe)
- Ball toss steady and in front — 2 marks
- Correct foot position and step — 2 marks
- Contact with open hand above head — 3 marks
- Ball travels over the net into court — 3 marks
Total: 10 marks. Encourage improvement, not only scores.
Small visual: court, player and net
P
Player
🏐
Net
Target
Practice often for control. Ask your PE teacher for tips during school sessions. Have fun and play fair!
Prepared for Kenyan schools — simple and safe steps for age 11