Digs and sets
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can replicate a consistent dig and set shot with good technique using a full size volleyball net.
Key learning points
- Move: keeping the hands and elbows locked when performing a dig increases control.
- Move: a triangle between thumbs and forefingers is used to cushion the ball on impact in a set shot.
- Think: it is illegal to catch and release the ball, this is considered a carry or a lift.
- Feel: satisfaction comes from learning new skills.
- Connect: support can reassure others when they are struggling.
Keywords
Assist - passing or setting the ball to a teammate
Bump - a common term for passing from the serve using the forearm
Carry/lift - when a player makes contact with the ball for too long with an open palm facing upwards
Common misconception
Pupils think a bump shot needs the hands to come together to make a fist.
The correct technique is to place the back of one hand in the palm of the other hand with the arms extended and the elbows locked creating a platform with the forearms.
Teacher tip
It might be useful to start the lesson with a 4v4 game to explore the new court and height of the net. Then move into learning cycle 1 and revisit 4v4 competitively as the lesson conclusion. The volleyball net can be set at the junior height, but use the adult female or male height as appropriate.
Equipment
volleyball court and net, volleyballs / soft volleyballs, floor markers
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which shot uses the arms and hands together as a platform?
Q2.Which shot is referenced as an attacking smash shot?
Q3.How is control achieved in a dig and set shot?
Q4.What skill is developed when we work alone or with 1 other to develop our technique?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.Which skill uses the forearm to make a pass?
Q2.How many touches for a team are encouraged in competitive game play?
Q3.What is the name of an illegal shot when the ball stays in the palms of the hand too long?
Q4.What shape is created by the thumb and forefingers in a set shot?
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Digs and sets, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 physical education lesson on: Digs and sets, 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 4 physical education lessons from the Net and wall games: tactics and strategies in volleyball unit, dive into the full secondary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.