KS3 · Physical education · Year 9
Volleys and net play
Net and wall games: overcome opponents in tennis challenges
Learn it. Recall it. Make it stick.
IllumED Slides
IllumED · 1/10
Your learning goal
I can react quickly to hit volleys with consistency and accuracy whilst at the net.
1 of 10
Volleys and net play: slides adapted from the imported teaching text; recall questions created from its keywords, learning points and common mistakes. Self-check practice, with no automatic grading or XP. Answers stay on this page and are cleared when you leave.
What you’ll learn
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.
Words to know
- 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 mistakes
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.
For parents, carers and teachers
- 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.