Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 5
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Physical Education
Curriculum Theme: Games and Sports
Previous Lesson: Basketball: Meaning, History, Equipment, Rules and Officials.
Topic: Ball Games – Volleyball
Subject Matter: Meaning of volleyball (a team ball game played over a net), history of volleyball, nature of the game, dimensions of the court, equipment and facilities, rules and regulations, officials in volleyball (and their functions)
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Define volleyball.
- Explain the history of volleyball.
- Describe the nature of the game and its court dimensions.
- List the essential equipment and facilities for volleyball.
- State some basic rules and regulations of volleyball.
- Identify the officials in volleyball and explain their functions.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the importance of teamwork and cooperation in volleyball.
- Show interest in playing volleyball as a recreational or competitive sport.
- Respect the rules of the game and the decisions of officials.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Demonstrate basic volleyball skills such as serving, passing, and setting.
- Practice various volleyball skills under supervision.
Social Domain:
- Cooperate effectively with teammates during practical sessions.
- Engage in fair play and good sportsmanship during game simulations.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
- State Unified Scheme of Work
- Physical Education for Senior Secondary Schools, Book 2
- https://www.education.gov.ng/curriculum/
- https://www.nigeriancurriculum.com/physical-education-sss/
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Volleyball
- Volleyball court (marked or simulated)
- Whistle
- Diagrams of a volleyball court
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the game of volleyball, including its history, rules, and fundamental skills. It encourages physical activity, promotes teamwork, and develops sportsmanship among pupils.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of ball games and have participated in other team sports.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
Volleyball
Meaning of Volleyball
Volleyball is a team ball game played by two teams of six players each, separated by a net. The objective is to score points by grounding a ball on the opposing team’s side of the court, while preventing the opponent from doing the same.
History of Volleyball
Volleyball was invented in 1895 by William G. Morgan, a YMCA physical education director in Holyoke, Massachusetts, USA. He created the game, originally called “Mintonette,” as a less strenuous alternative to basketball for older members of the YMCA.
Nature of the Game
Volleyball is a non-contact sport that requires agility, coordination, and teamwork. Teams rotate positions after winning a rally and the right to serve. Each team is allowed a maximum of three touches to return the ball over the net, in addition to a block.
Dimensions of the Court
A standard volleyball court is rectangular, measuring 18 meters (59 feet) long and 9 meters (29.5 feet) wide. It is divided into two 9×9 meter halves by a net. The attack line is 3 meters (9.8 feet) from the net on each side.
- Court Length: 18 meters
- Court Width: 9 meters
- Attack Line: 3 meters from the net
- Net Height (Men): 2.43 meters
- Net Height (Women): 2.24 meters
Equipment and Facilities
The following are essential for playing volleyball:
- Volleyball: A spherical ball made of synthetic leather or a similar material.
- Net: Stretched across the center of the court.
- Posts: To hold the net.
- Antennae: Vertical rods attached to the net, defining the legal playing space.
- Court: A rectangular playing area, usually indoor or outdoor.
- Uniforms: For identification of teams.
Rules and Regulations (Basic)
Some fundamental rules in volleyball include:
- A team has three contacts to return the ball over the net (not including a block).
- A player cannot hit the ball twice in a row (except after a block).
- The ball must be hit cleanly; no catching, holding, or throwing.
- Players must rotate clockwise after winning the serve.
- The ball landing on a line is considered “in”.
- Players must not touch the net during play.
Skills in Volleyball
The following are key skills in volleyball:
- Serve: Used to put the ball into play. Can be underhand or overhand.
- Pass (or Bump): Used to receive an opponent’s serve or attack.
- Set: Used to direct the ball to an attacker for a spike.
- Spike (or Attack): A forceful hit over the net to score a point.
- Block: Used to prevent an opponent’s spike from crossing the net.
- Dig: A defensive skill used to save a hard-driven ball.
Officials in Volleyball and their Functions
The following are common officials in a volleyball game:
- First Referee: Controls the match from start to finish, sits on a high chair, and makes final decisions on all calls.
- Second Referee: Assists the first referee, monitors net faults, player rotations, and ensures proper conduct.
- Scorer: Records points, substitutions, timeouts, and keeps track of the score.
- Line Judges: Stand at the corners of the court to signal whether a ball is in or out, and to call foot faults on serves.
Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques
Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids
Instructional Procedures
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them to mention different types of ball games they know. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Ball Games – Volleyball.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s greetings and mention various ball games like football, basketball, and handball. They listen attentively as the teacher introduces the topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and the lesson topic is introduced.
Step 2: Meaning and History of Volleyball
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of volleyball as a team game played over a net and narrates its history, including its invention by William G. Morgan.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen carefully, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and historical background of volleyball.
Step 3: Nature of the Game and Court Dimensions
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes the nature of the game, emphasizing teamwork and non-contact play. The teacher also explains and illustrates the dimensions of a volleyball court using a diagram or drawing on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the diagrams, listen to the explanations, and note down the court dimensions.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the fundamental characteristics of volleyball and its court specifications.
Step 4: Equipment, Facilities, and Rules
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher lists and explains the essential equipment and facilities required for playing volleyball, such as the ball, net, and posts. The teacher also states some basic rules and regulations of the game.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the equipment and facilities and listen to the rules, asking questions where necessary.
Learning Point: Pupils know the necessary equipment and basic rules of volleyball.
Step 5: Skills in Volleyball
Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstration/Practice
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher states and briefly demonstrates the basic skills in volleyball, such as serving, passing, setting, spiking, and blocking. The teacher guides pupils to practice simple movements.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the demonstrations and attempt to practice the basic skills under the teacher’s guidance.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to and attempt to practice fundamental volleyball skills.
Step 6: Officials and their Functions
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the roles and functions of various officials in a volleyball game, such as the first referee, second referee, scorer, and line judges.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, ask questions, and take notes on the roles of officials.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance and roles of game officials in volleyball.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Define volleyball in your own words.
- Who invented volleyball and in what year?
- State any two dimensions of a standard volleyball court.
- Mention three basic skills in volleyball.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and assigns homework: “Draw a well-labeled diagram of a volleyball court and list five rules of the game.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: The lesson is reinforced and pupils are given an activity to practice.
Lesson Keywords
- Volleyball – A team sport in which two teams hit a ball over a net to ground it on the opponent’s side.
- Serve – The action used to put the ball into play.
- Pass – The skill of receiving an opponent’s attack or serve using forearms.
- Set – The action of accurately directing the ball to an attacker for a spike.
- Spike – A forceful hit of the ball over the net, typically performed with an open hand.
- Block – A defensive action to stop an opponent’s attack at the net.
- Court – The playing area for volleyball, typically 18m by 9m.
- Net – The barrier dividing the court, over which the ball must be hit.
- Officials – Individuals who enforce the rules of the game, such as referees and line judges.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can challenge them to demonstrate more advanced skills or explain complex rules. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide additional one-on-one guidance during practical demonstrations and simplify explanations of rules and history.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Teachers should ensure that the volleyball court, or a simulated court, is available for practical demonstrations. Safety precautions must be observed during any physical activity. Encourage active participation and teamwork among pupils. Visual aids like diagrams of the court and demonstrations of skills are highly effective.

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