Unit Plan 8 (Grade 3 PE): Volleyball/Newcomb Lead-Up

Focus: Develop early striking-type skills, introduce ready position and basic net-game spacing, and help students cooperate in lead-up volleyball activities.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Physical Education (Net Games • Newcomb Lead-Up • Striking & Spacing)

Total Unit Duration: 1 core session + 2 optional sessions (1–3 weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Students explore beginning net games through activities that build catching, tossing, striking, and movement to space. In this unit, students begin with toss-and-catch using beach balls or volleyballs with both overhead and underhand actions so they can practice tracking an object in the air and preparing their body to send it upward or forward with control. They then apply those skills in Newcomb, where students catch and throw the ball over a low net, and later progress to light volleying using taps or controlled strikes. Throughout the unit, students focus on ready position, sending the ball into open space, staying spread out on their side of the court, and working with teammates in a positive way.

Essential Questions

• How can I send a ball over a net with better control?
• What does a good ready position look like in a net game?
• Why is it important to spread out and move to open space on my side of the court?
• How can teamwork and encouragement help a game go better?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Strike or send a lightweight ball with improving control using hands in lead-up net-game tasks.
2. Use personal and general space effectively to stay spread out and avoid crowding in a net game.
3. Apply simple offensive ideas such as sending the ball to open space and moving into a better receiving position.
4. Cooperate with classmates by taking turns, encouraging others, and helping activities run smoothly.
5. Show enjoyment and a positive attitude while learning a new type of game.

Standards Alignment — 3rd Grade (SHAPE America-based custom)

• PE:S1.3e – Striking with Implements Strike a lightweight object (balloon, foam ball, yarn ball) with hands or implements (paddles, short-handled rackets, foam bats) with developing accuracy and control.
  • Example: Students strike a ball off a tee into a designated field area or tap a balloon over a low net to a partner.
• PE:S2.3a – Space Awareness & Positioning Use knowledge of personal and general space to find open areas, avoid collisions, and position appropriately during games.
  • Example: In keep-away games, students move away from defenders to create open passing lanes.
• PE:S2.3d – Basic Offensive Strategies Demonstrate simple offensive strategies such as moving to open space, passing to an open teammate, and using quick changes of direction.
  • Example: In mini-soccer, students move into open space to receive a pass then quickly dribble toward the goal.
• PE:S4.3b – Cooperation, Encouragement, and Teamwork Cooperate with partners and teams, share equipment, take turns, and encourage others.
  • Example: Students rotate through stations smoothly, give positive feedback to teammates, and help reset equipment.
• PE:S5.3a – Enjoyment and Positive Attitude Express enjoyment and a positive attitude toward participating in a variety of physical activities and games.
  • Example: Students state which activities they enjoyed and show enthusiasm by actively participating.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can send a ball up and over the net with more control.
• I can get into ready position and move to a good spot.
• I can spread out and avoid crowding teammates.
• I can encourage my teammates and take turns fairly.
• I can show a positive attitude while learning volleyball/Newcomb skills.