New
New
Lesson 3 of 6
  • Year 10

Digs and sets

I can replicate a consistent dig and set shot with good technique using a full size volleyball net.

Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
  • Year 10

Digs and sets

I can replicate a consistent dig and set shot with good technique using a full size volleyball net.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: keeping the hands and elbows locked when performing a dig increases control.
  2. Move: a triangle between thumbs and forefingers is used to cushion the ball on impact in a set shot.
  3. Think: it is illegal to catch and release the ball, this is considered a carry or a lift.
  4. Feel: satisfaction comes from learning new skills.
  5. 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.


To help you plan your year 10 physical education lesson on: Digs and sets, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

volleyball court and net, volleyballs / soft volleyballs, floor markers

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which shot uses the arms and hands together as a platform?

Correct answer: dig
set
spike

Q2.
Which shot is referenced as an attacking smash shot?

dig
set
Correct answer: spike

Q3.
How is control achieved in a dig and set shot?

trapping
volleying
Correct answer: cushioning

Q4.
What skill is developed when we work alone or with 1 other to develop our technique?

isolation
Correct answer: independence
intergrity

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Which skill uses the forearm to make a pass?

volley
set
Correct answer: bump

Q2.
How many touches for a team are encouraged in competitive game play?

1
2
Correct answer: 3

Q3.
What is the name of an illegal shot when the ball stays in the palms of the hand too long?

Correct Answer: carry/lift, carry, lift

Q4.
What shape is created by the thumb and forefingers in a set shot?

Correct Answer: traingle