Grade 6 Physical And Health Education Volleyball – Single And Digpass Notes
Volleyball — Single and Dig Pass
Subject: Physical and Health Education — Topic: Volleyball — Subtopic: Single and Digpass
Level: Kenyan Primary (age 11) — Simple, safe steps and school drills.
What we will learn
- What a single pass is (overhead/single-hand push).
- What a dig pass is (defensive forearm pass).
- How to do each pass safely and correctly.
- Simple practice drills for PE lessons in Kenyan schools.
Important equipment
- Volleyball (or an equally soft ball) 🏐
- Flat ground — grass, tarmac, or court.
- Cones or small markers for spacing (optional).
Key words (simple)
Single pass = Overhead push with one or two hands (used to set the ball).
Dig pass = A low, quick forearm pass to save a hard hit or low ball.
1) Single pass (Overhead set)
Use this when the ball is above your head and you want to push it to a teammate.
Steps (easy):- Face the ball. Bend your knees a little — be ready to move.
- Form a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers above your forehead (like a small window).
- Keep your elbows away from your head. Look through the “window” at the ball.
- Extend your legs and arms together, push the ball gently with your fingers (not your palms).
- Finish with your fingers pointing to the target (where you want the ball to go).
- Use legs for power — don’t only push with the arms.
- Keep hands soft and fingers spread; imagine “catching” the ball then pushing it.
- Practice with a partner standing 2–4 metres away at first.
- Pushing with palms (ball goes high and hard).
- Not using legs (weak pass).
- Hands too close together or fingers tight (ball sticks).
2) Dig pass (Forearm pass)
Use this when the ball comes low or fast and you must keep it in play.
Steps (easy):- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent and weight forward on the toes.
- Clasp your hands and make a flat platform with your forearms (one palm on top of the other).
- Keep your arms straight and angle your forearms toward the target (push the ball upward).
- Move your feet to get under the ball; do not reach with one hand — use the forearms together.
- Absorb the ball slightly by bending knees and then guide it to a teammate.
- Use small steps to move, never dive unless practicing safely with mats.
- Keep eyes on the ball and shoulders forward to avoid the ball hitting your face.
- Arms bending at the elbow (ball goes everywhere).
- Stepping back instead of under the ball (missed pass).
- Hands too loose or not a flat platform.
Simple classroom drills (safe and fun)
Drill A — Partner single pass (5 minutes)
- Partners stand 3–4 metres apart. Practice single passes back and forth.
- Start with soft pushes, then move a little farther when confident.
Drill B — Dig line (10 minutes)
- Players form two lines about 6 metres from a thrower or coach.
- Coach tosses or lightly hits balls low; each player digs and returns to their line.
- Count good digs to make it a friendly challenge.
Drill C — Combine (5–8 minutes)
- Player A tosses to Player B: B digs, then A single-passes back — practice both skills.
- Good for learning to change between defence (dig) and attack/set (single pass).
Fun mini-game (for Kenyan school PE)
Set up two small teams (3v3). Use a lower net or rope. Each team must use a dig first (if ball is low) or single pass (if ball is high) before trying to hit over the net. This helps players choose the right pass.
Safety and school tips
- Warm up with running and stretching before drills.
- Play on a safe surface — move stones, avoid slippery spots.
- Encourage correct technique — fewer injuries and more success.
- Use teamwork and cheer each other on — PE is for learning and fun.
Quick check for teachers (assessment)
- Can the pupil do a basic single pass that goes to a partner 3 metres away?
- Can the pupil perform a forearm dig that keeps the ball in play?
- Does the pupil use legs and move to the ball?
Simple visual: how the ball moves
Player A → Ball toss/serve → Player B
B does: Dig (forearms) 🏐 ↓ → B guides up → A single pass (overhead) 🏐 ↑ → Target
B does: Dig (forearms) 🏐 ↓ → B guides up → A single pass (overhead) 🏐 ↑ → Target
(Use legs to push up for single pass; use flat forearms for dig.)
Teachers: adapt distances and speed for your class. Start slow, praise small wins, and make it fun!
— End of notes for "Single And Digpass"