Fun Passing Games

Overview

This 40-minute session is designed for Year 7 pupils (age 11-12) and introduces fundamental volleyball passing skills through engaging, team-based passing games. The lesson develops physical competence, teamwork, and communication in line with the National Curriculum for Physical Education (England), focusing on developing basic skills and applying them in modified game situations.

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Curriculum Links

• Key Stage 3 Physical Education Programme of Study
  Pupils should be taught to:

  • "Develop and explore physical skills in a range of contexts, including competitive and cooperative physical activities" (NC PoS, 2014)
  • "Develop their technique and improve their performance in competitive games"
  • "Use skills, tactics, and compositional ideas to outwit opponents"
  • "Work independently, and communicate with and lead others"

• National Curriculum Aims

  • "To be physically active"
  • "To lead healthy, active lives"
  • "To develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities"
  • "To engage in competitive sports and activities"

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, pupils will be able to:

1. Demonstrate basic volleyball passing techniques (underarm and forearm pass) in controlled activities.
2. Participate effectively in team-passing games that encourage communication and teamwork.
3. Show understanding of spatial awareness and positioning during passing drills.
4. Reflect on their own performance and offer constructive feedback to peers.

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Equipment

• Soft volleyballs or foam balls (6)
• Cones for marking playing areas
• Whistle
• Pinnies/bibs for team identification

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Lesson Structure

1. Introduction & Warm-Up (7 minutes)

• Set the scene: Briefly introduce volleyball as a sport focusing on passing to score points. Explain this day is about having fun mastering passing skills.
• Warm-up activity: “Volleyball Tag”
  • Pupils have a ball each or some without balls. Those with balls pass to someone else to "tag" them (touch). Players avoid being tagged by moving around safely within a marked zone.
  • Emphasises movement, ball handling, and spatial awareness.
• National Curriculum Reference: Warm-up for safe participation and skill development.

2. Skill Introduction – Passing Basics (7 minutes)

• Demonstrate two types of passes:
  • Underarm pass (overhead pass): For tossing/setting the ball to teammates.
  • Forearm pass (bump): For receiving and directing the ball accurately in volleyball.
• Explain key teaching points:
  • Hand position, body posture, footwork, watching the ball.
• Pupils practice pairs passing back and forth using forearm pass and underarm pass alternately.
• Coaches circulate offering feedback and positive reinforcement.

3. Main Activity – Fun Passing Games (20 minutes)

• Game 1: “Pass Relay” (10 mins)

  • Teams of 6 split evenly (5 teams total approx.). Mark 5 stations in a line.
  • Each team forms a line behind its start cone. The first player passes underarm or bump to next player who moves forward to pass on.
  • The ball moves quickly down the line, aiming for accuracy and speed.
  • Emphasise communication (calling for ball), correct technique, and team support.
  • Rotate players each round so all try passing in different positions.

• Game 2: “Volleyball Keep It Up” (10 mins)

  • Teams (5 or 6) compete to keep their ball off the ground the longest using only passes (no catching).
  • One bounce or fewer allowed between passes.
  • Encourage shouting teammates’ names, organising positions, moving to support the passer.
  • This enhances communication, teamwork, and applying passing skills under pressure.

4. Cool-Down & Reflection (6 minutes)

• Gentle stretching in a circle focusing on upper limbs and legs.
• Circle discussion:
  • What passing skills helped their team the most?
  • How did communication affect their performance?
  • Pupils suggest one personal target for passing improvement next lesson.

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Assessment Opportunities

• Formative assessment through observation during pair practices and games: technique, communication, effort.
• Peer assessment via structured feedback in reflection discussion.
• Teacher notes on each pupil’s participation, teamwork, and skill development.
• Use questioning to assess understanding of key techniques and teamwork principles.

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Differentiation & Inclusion

• Use softer, larger balls for pupils with lower coordination or physical needs.
• Vary passing distances and speeds for different skill levels.
• Visual or verbal prompts to support pupils with SEN.
• Teams mixed by ability and encouraged to support one another.

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Safety & Behaviour Management

• Ensure playing area is clear and safe; cones well spaced to avoid collisions.
• Remind pupils of safe throwing/passing techniques — no excessive force.
• Emphasise positive encouragement and respectful communication.
• Use whistle signals for stop/start and transitions.

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Extension Ideas

• In future lessons introduce serving and attacking skills based on this passing foundation.
• Introduce scoring volleyball games with rotation to build tactical understanding.
• Include video clips or demonstrations of volleyball matches to inspire pupils.

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This lesson encourages physical skill development, collaboration, and enjoyment — all integral to meeting the National Curriculum’s holistic PE objectives for this age group.