Grade 5 Physical And Health Education Volleyball – The Volley Notes
Subject: Physical And Health Education
Topic: Volleyball — Subtopic: The Volley (age 10, Kenya)
The volley is when players keep the ball in the air by passing it between teammates and across the net. At age 10 we learn simple volley skills (bump/forearm pass and set/overhead volley), rules, safety and fun team games you can play on the school playground or in the field.
Specific Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
- Explain what a volley (rally) is and name basic rules for fair play and safety.
- Demonstrate a safe forearm pass (bump) with correct body position at least 3 times in a row.
- Demonstrate a basic overhead set (volley) using finger pads and a triangle shape with hands.
- Work in pairs or small teams to keep the ball in play for at least 5 consecutive volleys.
- Show teamwork, communication and respect while playing (Kenyan values: fairness and cooperation).
Equipment & Kenyan tips
- Volleyball (or soft ball / foam ball) — safe for beginners.
- Net: use a real net or a rope/tape tied between two poles or goalposts on the school compound.
- Markers: cones, shoes or stones to mark positions.
- Play area: school playground, field or small court with murram surface — clear away sharp stones.
- Clothing: PE kit or comfortable clothes and closed shoes for safety.
How to do the forearm pass (bump)
- Stand with feet shoulder-width; step forward towards the ball.
- Join your hands: place one hand over the other, thumbs together and arms straight to make a flat platform with your forearms.
- Bend knees (like a lion ready to spring) and use legs to push the ball — do not swing your arms.
- Keep eyes on the ball and aim to direct it up to a teammate or over the net.
- Practice with a partner: underhand throw to each other and bump back.
Visual: 🤝 ➜ 🏐 ➜ ⬆️
How to do the overhead set (volley)
- Form a triangle with your thumbs and index fingers near your forehead — elbows out, fingers soft.
- Move under the ball, bend knees slightly and push up with your legs and fingers to send the ball up and forward.
- Use the pads of your fingers (not the palms) and follow through with your arms.
- Aim to set the ball so a teammate can spike or continue the rally.
Visual: ▲ (fingers) ➜ 🏐 ➜ 👋
Coaching points (short and simple)
- Watch the ball from the moment it leaves the other player’s hand.
- Use legs, not just arms — push the ball gently to control it.
- Call the ball: say “Mine!” or “Yours!” to avoid collisions.
- Keep body between the ball and the net when defending.
Suggested Learning Experiences (Lesson plan — 50 minutes)
- Introduction & rules (5 min): Explain rally/volley, safety and fair play. Ask learners if they have played before in school or at village level.
- Warm-up (8–10 min): Jog, side steps, arm circles, gentle partner tossing to wake hands and legs.
- Demonstration (5 min): Teacher shows bump and set slowly. Use two learners to show a short rally.
- Practice drills (15–18 min):
- Pair drill: stand 3–5m apart; throw and bump 10 times without dropping.
- Triangle set drill: three learners form a triangle and set to each other. Count volleys.
- Keep It Up: groups of 4 try to keep ball in air for 20 seconds.
- Mini-game (7–8 min): Small court 3 v 3; play short rallies. Use rope as low net if needed.
- Cool-down & reflection (3–4 min): Stretch and ask pupils: What helped your team keep the ball up? Who showed good communication?
Assessment ideas (for teacher)
- Observation checklist: correct hand shape, use of legs, communication, safety behavior.
- Count of successful volleys in pairs or groups (target: 5–10 consecutive volleys).
- Short oral questions: What is a volley? Name one safety rule.
Adaptations & inclusion
- Use a larger, slower ball for learners who need more time to react.
- Allow learners with mobility limits to play seated, using gentle sets and short throws.
- Use mixed groups so everyone participates: girls and boys play together as in many Kenyan schools.
Quick fun activity to try at break time
"Longest Rally" — in small groups try to beat the school record for most volleys without the ball touching the ground. Use a soft ball and encourage cheering — clap for good teamwork! 🏐👏
Note: Always supervise children, keep the play area safe and encourage fair play — these are important Kenyan school values.