Volleys and net play
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can react quickly to hit volleys with consistency and accuracy whilst at the net.
Key learning points
- Move: applying a minimal swing and firm grip, while moving bodyweight forwards, improves volleying consistency.
- Move: using the non-dominant hand can add stability on a two-handed backhand, increasing the success of shots.
- Think: knowing that volleys require a short punching action to block and direct the ball over the net increases success.
- Feel: reacting quickly whilst at the net requires a cool head and self-discipline.
- Connect: challenging others to work hard when practising in small groups requires emotional intelligence.
Keywords
Volley - hitting the ball before it bounces.
Drop shot - a soft shot, often hit with backspin, to land just over the net
Reaction time - time taken to respond to a stimulus (e.g. the ball)
Common misconception
Pupils use a big swing for volleys and consequently regularly miss the ball or hit it out.
When playing close to the net, you don't need to apply much swing and instead should use the power already in the ball, combined with a step into the shot, to apply power with more of a short punching action to block the ball back.
Teacher tip
More experienced players should work together with smaller target areas and progress through the tasks more quickly or, having completed their tasks, they can work as coaches to support the skill development of their peers.
Equipment
1 tennis ball per pupil; 1 tennis racket per pupil; tennis posts and nets; floor markers (lines and spots) to divide the space and create targets
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Where should you contact the ball for an overarm serve?
Q2.What helps bring the ball down into court on a tennis serve?
Q3.When serving, which grip should be used for control and versatility?
Q4.What is it called if you serve into the net twice?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.What sort of shot is a volley?
Q2.What is it called when you hit the ball hard to try to get it past your opponent when they are at net?
Q3.Which of the following should be avoided when volleying at net?
Q4.What does adding the non-dominant hand do when hitting a backhand?
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Volleys and net play, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 9 physical education lesson on: Volleys and net play, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 3 physical education lessons from the Net and wall games: overcome opponents in tennis challenges unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.