Passing & Setting Skills

Lesson Overview

• Unit: Volleyball Skills & Wellbeing (Lesson 3 of 8)
• Year Level: Year 9
• Duration: 45 minutes
• Curriculum Area: Health and Physical Education (NZ Curriculum)
• Curriculum Level: Level 4
• Big Ideas:
  • Physical Competence: Developing technical passing and setting skills.
  • Collaboration in Movement: Exploring how teamwork and communication contribute to performance.
  • Hauora (Wellbeing): Understanding how working together enhances social wellbeing.

Learning Intentions

By the end of the lesson, students will:

1. Develop fundamental passing (forearm pass or "bump") and setting (overhead pass) techniques.
2. Apply proper body positioning and movement when executing these passes.
3. Understand how teamwork and communication can enhance performance and support social wellbeing.

Success Criteria

Students will:
✔ Demonstrate correct passing and setting form in drills.
✔ Work collaboratively with peers during group activities.
✔ Reflect on how communication impacts gameplay and teamwork.

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-Up: Dynamic Movements & Reaction Drills (10 mins)

Objective: Prepare muscles for movement and encourage quick reactions, both essential for volleyball.

🚀 Activity 1: Movement Circuit (5 mins)
Students rotate through the following stations (30 seconds each, repeat twice):

• High Knees – Warming up legs for quick lateral movements.
• Mini Squat Jumps – Strengthening legs for setting height.
• Arm Circles & Shoulder Rolls – Activating upper body for passing.
• Lateral Shuffles – Emphasising volleyball-style defensive movement.

🎯 Activity 2: Reaction Partner Drills (5 mins)

• Partners face each other with a ball. One partner holds the ball, the other places hands in a ready position.
• Holding partner randomly drops the ball; the receiver must react quickly to catch it before it hits the ground.
• Increase difficulty by adding a clap before catching.

💡 Teacher Tip: Emphasise ready stance positioning - knees slightly bent, weight forward, hands in front.

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2. Skill Development: Passing & Setting Techniques (15 mins)

Objective: Students will learn and refine volleyball's two foundational passes.

🖐 Activity 1: Forearm Passing (7 mins)

• Demonstrate correct forearm pass form (bending knees, arms locked, platform facing target).
• Students practice against a gym wall—focus on consistent control.
• Partner work: One tosses, the other passes back (rotate roles every 3 passes).
• Key Focus: Using legs for power, maintaining a steady platform.

🏐 Activity 2: Overhead Setting (8 mins)

• Demonstrate proper setting form (triangle hand shape, soft finger contact, extend through the ball).
• Self-practice: Students set the ball to themselves 10 times, aiming for control.
• Partner work: Stand 2 metres apart, one tosses, the other sets back.
• Key Focus: Using fingertips for control, not palms.

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3. Teamwork Challenge: Communication in Action (15 mins)

Objective: Apply passing and setting in group settings while reinforcing teamwork and communication.

🎤 Activity 1: ‘Three-Touch Rally’ Drills (8 mins)

• Groups of 4–5 students aim to complete three consecutive touches (pass-pass-set) before returning the ball over a low net (or designated space).
• If successful, they increase the number of continuous rallies.
• Coaching Cue: Encourage them to verbalise their intent ("Mine!" "Set me up!").

🚀 Activity 2: ‘Silent Play’ Game (7 mins)

• Same groups play a modified rally but in complete silence.
• After 2 minutes, discuss:
  • How did communication (or lack of it) affect performance?
  • What happens when teammates don’t collaborate?
• Final Round: Reintroduce communication and see if performance improves.

💡 Teacher Tip: Introduce the connection to Hauora:

• Taha Whānau (Social Wellbeing) – How does working together make the game more enjoyable?
• Taha Wairua (Spiritual Wellbeing) – How does feeling included in a team improve confidence?

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4. Cool-Down & Reflection (5 mins)

Objective: Promote muscle recovery and reflect on learning.

🌿 Activity 1: Stretching Routine (2 mins)

• Whole-class stretch including hamstrings, quadriceps, shoulders, and wrists.

💬 Activity 2: Peer Check-Ins & Exit Reflection (3 mins)

• Students pair up and discuss:
  • What skill did I improve on the most today?
  • How did my group work together?
  • What could I do better next time?

📝 Exit Ticket (Written):

• Name one communication strategy that helped you today.
• Name one passing or setting key tip you’ll remember for next lesson.

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Teacher Reflection & Assessment

• Observe students’ passing and setting form for technique improvements.
• Listen to group discussions for engagement and teamwork effectiveness.
• Read exit tickets to assess student understanding of technique & collaboration.

Next Lesson Preview: "Serving for Success"

• Developing underhand and overhand serves.
• Exploring mental focus in sport and how confidence builds performance.

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🎯 NZ Curriculum Links
This lesson aligns with:
✔ Health & PE Learning Area (Level 4) – Developing movement skills in volleyball.
✔ Big Ideas in Physical Education: Connection, Leadership, and Wellbeing.
✔ Key Competencies: Participating & Contributing, Self-Management, and Communication.

📢 Challenge for Teachers: Encourage students to observe professional volleyball games before the next lesson and identify passing and setting strategies in action.

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Final Thought for the Teacher

This lesson seamlessly integrates technical learning with teamwork and wellbeing, making it memorable and engaging for ākonga. The practical drills, social reflections, and game-based activities support a well-rounded approach to PE, beyond just skill execution.

Enjoy watching your students connect, communicate, and collaborate through volleyball! 🏐💬✨