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Class 8 Khel Yatra Unit 5 – Fundamental Skills of Sports: Volleyball | NCERT CBSE Notes, Solutions & Worksheet

Class 8 Khel Yatra Unit 5 – Fundamental Skills of Sports: Volleyball with easy NCERT and CBSE Notes, Solutions, Questions & Answers and Worksheet. Learn important volleyball skills and concepts with simple Class 8 Khel Yatra study material for revision, practice and exam preparation.

Class 8 Khel Yatra Unit 5 Volleyball Notes and Solutions

Class 8 Khel Yatra

Unit 5 – Fundamental Skills of Sports – Volleyball

Easy Chapter Notes, Fundamental Skills, Activities and Book Solutions

Reprint 2026–27

Chapter Introduction

Volleyball is a fast-paced team sport played by two teams on a rectangular court divided by a net. Each team normally has six players on the court.

The main aim is to send the ball over the net so that it lands on the opponent’s court. A team normally gets up to three touches to return the ball. A block touch is not counted as one of these three touches.

In this unit we learn important volleyball skills such as:

Underhand Pass Overhead Pass Underhand Serve Overhead Serve Setting Spike Block Dig
Volleyball court
Volleyball court image from Wikimedia Commons, released under CC0/Public Domain.

Easy Concept Notes

1. Passing

Passing is used to control the ball and send it accurately to a teammate.

Two basic passes in this unit are the underhand pass and overhead pass.

2. Serving

A serve starts play. The ball is hit from behind the baseline towards the opponent’s court.

Students learn underhand and overhead serving.

3. Setting

Setting places the ball in a good position so that a spiker can attack it.

4. Spike

A spike is a powerful attacking hit directed towards the opponent’s court.

5. Block

A block is a defensive action near the net used to stop or deflect an opponent’s attack.

6. Dig

A dig is a defensive skill used to prevent a hard attacking ball from touching the ground.

Important Volleyball Facts

  • There are six players from each team on the court.
  • A team normally has up to three touches to return the ball.
  • A block touch is not counted among the three team touches.
  • Passing helps control the ball.
  • Setting helps prepare an attack.
  • Spiking is an attacking skill.
  • Blocking and digging are defensive skills.
  • Good communication helps a team play safely and effectively.

1. Underhand Pass

Easy Concept

The underhand pass, also called a bump pass or dig pass, is used to receive and control the ball, especially after a serve or attacking hit.

Grip and Hand Position

  • Bring both hands together.
  • Keep the thumbs parallel.
  • Keep the elbows straight and locked.
  • Extend the arms in front.

Stance

  • Keep the feet apart for balance.
  • Bend the knees slightly.
  • Lean slightly forward.
  • Keep the body low and ready.

Execution

  • Move the body under the falling ball.
  • Contact the ball with the forearms.
  • Use the legs to help lift the ball.
  • Direct the ball towards the target.

Follow-through

Keep the arms stable and follow the direction of the ball. Avoid excessive arm movement because it can reduce accuracy.

Remember: During a game, call “Mine!” loudly and clearly when you are going to take the ball.

Lead-up Activity

Make two teams and form circles. On the whistle, players pass the ball using an underhand pass without letting it fall. The team with fewer falls or more returns performs better.

Page 138
Discuss about the basic moves, shifting of the body weight and how it deflects the ball trajectory.
Solution: Body weight should shift in the direction of the pass. This helps control the ball and changes its direction accurately.
Volleyball match
Volleyball match image from Wikimedia Commons, CC0/Public Domain.

2. Overhead Pass

Easy Concept

The overhead pass is used to set the ball or receive a ball that comes near face level.

Hand Position

  • Keep the hands above the forehead.
  • Use the thumb and index fingers to form a triangle.
  • Contact the ball with the fingertips, not the palms.

Body Position

  • Keep the feet apart.
  • Keep one foot slightly ahead.
  • Bend the knees.
  • Stay under the ball.

Execution

  • Move quickly to the ball.
  • Stay behind and under it.
  • Push the ball upwards using the fingers and body.
  • Face the direction of the target.

Follow-through

Extend the arms towards the target and remain balanced for the next movement.

Lead-up Activity

Two teams form circles and pass the ball using an overhand pass. The ball should not fall. If it falls, the rally restarts.

Page 141
Discuss the shapes formed when making a fist and their importance during a pass. Did we create any other shapes in different joints of the body during the overhand and underhand passes?
Solution: The hand shape helps control the ball. Yes, other shapes are formed by the elbows, knees, arms and body while preparing and performing the pass.

3. Underhand Serve

Easy Concept

An underhand serve sends the ball over the net using an upward and forward swing from below the ball.

Important Steps

  1. Keep the non-dominant foot slightly ahead.
  2. Hold the ball in the non-dominant hand.
  3. Bend the knees and maintain balance.
  4. Swing the hitting arm like a pendulum.
  5. Strike the bottom of the ball with a closed fist.
  6. Move the arm upwards after contact.

Lead-up Activity

Work in pairs. One player serves and the other catches. Start at six metres and gradually increase the distance according to skill.

Page 144
Does placing the ball in different areas of the court require a change in the passing technique?
Solution: Yes. The player may need to change body position, direction, force and angle to send the ball accurately to different areas.
Volleyball player preparing to serve
Volleyball serving image from Wikimedia Commons, public domain U.S. Marine Corps photograph.

4. Overhead Serve

Easy Concept

An overhead serve begins with a toss followed by an overhead arm swing to send the ball over the net.

Important Steps

  1. Stand behind the baseline.
  2. Keep the feet shoulder-width apart.
  3. Toss the ball with the non-dominant hand.
  4. Step forward with the foot opposite the serving hand.
  5. Bring the serving arm forward.
  6. Strike the ball with the heel or base of the palm.
  7. Transfer body weight from back to front.

Lead-up Activity

Players take ten overhead serves and aim for the marked pentagon on the opponent’s court. Correct serves landing in the target receive points.

Page 147
Discuss how the human body used potential and kinetic energy while serving during this activity.
Solution: Bending the knees and preparing the arm stores potential energy. Extending the legs and swinging the arm changes it into kinetic energy, helping the ball move strongly.

5. Setting

Easy Concept

Setting is used to place the ball in a good position for a spiker. It can be high or low and can be directed forward or backward.

Stance

  • Watch the path of the ball.
  • Keep the elbows slightly bent and outward.
  • Keep the hands near the forehead.
  • Stay ready to move under the ball.

Execution

Receive and return the ball with an overhead pass. Set it high or low near the net according to the spiker’s position.

Follow-through

Extend the arms towards the direction of the ball.

Lead-up Activity

A feeder passes the ball to the setter five times. The setter tries to place the ball into a bucket near the net while keeping the ball above the net height.

Page 149
Discuss how to determine the spiker who can convert the rally into a point.
Solution: Observe the spiker’s position, readiness, skill and ability to attack the ball successfully.
Page 149
Discuss how to dodge the blockers of the opponent’s team by setting the volley.
Solution: The setter can change the height, direction and position of the set so that the spiker can attack away from the blockers.

6. Spike

Easy Concept

A spike is a powerful attacking hit. The player jumps or reaches towards the ball and hits it strongly towards the opponent’s court.

Stance

  • Keep the feet apart for balance.
  • Position yourself under or slightly behind the ball.
  • Raise the dominant arm with the elbow bent.
  • Keep watching the ball.

Execution

  • Raise the non-dominant hand.
  • Move the dominant arm forcefully towards the ball.
  • Contact the ball at its highest point.
  • Use the palm to strike the ball.
  • Use the wrist snap to direct the ball downwards.
  • Use the legs, torso and arms together for power.

Follow-through

Continue the arm downward and forward and use the wrist to direct the ball.

Lead-up Activity

One player acts as feeder and another as spiker. The feeder boosts the ball and the spiker tries to spike it across the net. After five attempts, players change roles.

Page 153
Discuss the impacts of claiming more than the actual successful spikes. Will it help you or hold you back from learning the skill?
Solution: It will hold you back. Being honest helps identify mistakes and improve the skill properly.
Page 153
Is it more fruitful to resolve conflicts by discussing among two players or is asking for mediation more helpful?
Solution: Players should first try to discuss calmly. If the problem is not solved, asking a teacher or mediator can be more helpful.
Page 153
Discuss which defenders used the right method to catch and hold as suggested in the body position and execution parts above.
Solution: The defenders who stayed balanced, positioned their bodies correctly and used the recommended hand and body position used the right method.
Volleyball players attacking and blocking
Volleyball attack and block image from Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

Easy Concept – Potential and Kinetic Energy

Potential energy is stored energy. For example, when a player bends the knees and prepares the arm before serving, energy is stored in the body.

Kinetic energy is energy of movement. When the player extends the legs and swings the arm, stored energy changes into movement.

Upper Extremities

These include the arms from the shoulders to the hands.

Lower Extremities

These include the legs from the hips to the toes.

Spatial Attributes

These describe movement in relation to space, such as distance.

Temporal Attributes

These describe movement in relation to time.

7. Block

Easy Concept

Blocking is a defensive skill performed near the net. The blocker tries to stop or deflect the opponent’s spike back towards the opponent’s court.

Stance

  • Stand near the net.
  • Bend the knees slightly.
  • Keep the arms raised.
  • Stay on the toes and ready to move.

Execution

  • Reach the hands over the net.
  • Try to meet the ball in front of the spiker.
  • Keep fingers spread.
  • Angle the hands downwards to direct the ball.

Follow-through and Landing

Bend the knees while landing so that the legs absorb the impact and the player is ready for the next movement.

Lead-up Activity

Players work in pairs across the net. They jump and clap each other’s palms above the net for 30 seconds while moving towards the sideline. Touching the net does not count as a clap.

Page 156
Discuss how to anticipate the real spiker and distractor.
Solution: Watch the setter, body position, eyes and movement of the attacking players. This helps identify the likely spiker.
Page 156
Discuss how to focus on the correct foot movements of spikers during take off for blocking.
Solution: Watch the spiker’s approach and take-off steps. This helps the blocker decide when and where to jump.
Volleyball block
Volleyball block image from Wikimedia Commons, public domain U.S. Air Force photograph.

8. Dig

Easy Concept

A dig is a defensive skill used to stop an opponent’s spike or drop from touching the ground. The ball is controlled upwards so that the team can continue the rally.

Stance

  • Keep the feet apart.
  • Bend the knees.
  • Keep the body low.
  • Balance the weight on the balls of the feet.
  • Keep the arms together to form a strong platform.

Execution

  • Move quickly under the ball.
  • Keep the arms straight.
  • Use the forearms to absorb the impact.
  • Direct the ball towards the setter.
  • Avoid swinging the arms too much.

Follow-through

Maintain balance after contact. If diving, roll safely to reduce the impact.

Lead-up Activity

A feeder drops one of two soft sponge balls randomly. The digger reacts quickly, gets under the ball and catches it before it reaches the ground. Each player gets ten attempts.

Page 158
Discuss how the dig helps in the development of concentration.
Solution: A player must watch the ball carefully and react quickly. This improves attention, concentration and reaction time.
Volleyball dig
Volleyball dig image from Wikimedia Commons, public domain.

9. Ball Rotation Activity

Easy Concept

In this activity, players practise the connection between setting, spiking and blocking.

  1. Divide players into Blocker, Spiker and Setter groups.
  2. The setter sets the ball.
  3. The spiker attacks the ball.
  4. The blocker tries to stop the attack.
  5. Players change roles so everyone gets a turn.

Safety Measures

Players should communicate, follow instructions and report injuries or discomfort.

Page 160
Discuss how you feel when you help an injured player.
Solution: We may feel concerned but also responsible and helpful. Helping safely shows care for teammates.
Page 160
Discuss how you can ensure your own safety and safety of others.
Solution: Follow rules, warm up properly, use safe techniques, avoid pushing and report injuries quickly.
Page 160
Identify and report distress signals like facial expressions to your teacher. Also report physical injuries, including, discomfort in movement, bruises and rashes, blood, intense pain and others.
Solution: Notice unusual expressions or signs of pain and tell the teacher immediately. Do not ignore injuries.

10. Ace Accuracy Contest

Easy Concept

This activity develops serving accuracy and eye-hand coordination.

  • Make two teams.
  • Players line up at the serving line.
  • Each player serves one at a time.
  • Extra points are given for hitting the designated target area.
  • The team with the maximum points wins.
Pages 161–162
Discuss drills to improve eye-hand coordination and listening to the instructions.
Solution: Ball-catching, target throwing, passing, serving and reaction drills can improve eye-hand coordination. Listening carefully helps players follow instructions correctly.

11. Ball Throw Activity

Easy Concept

This activity teaches serving, catching, throwing and volleyball rotation.

  • Each team has six players.
  • A player serves the ball.
  • The receiving team catches it.
  • The ball must be thrown within three seconds.
  • Players stay in their positions while throwing.
  • When a team wins the serve, players rotate clockwise.
  • The first team to reach eleven points wins.
Page 163
Identify and report distress signals like facial expressions to your teacher. Also report physical injuries, including discomfort in movement, bruises and rashes, blood, intense pain and others.
Solution: Observe signs of pain or distress and report them to the teacher immediately. This helps keep everyone safe.

12. 11-Point Match

Easy Concept

Two teams of six players play a volleyball match for eleven points. The team that wins the match moves to the next round.

Complete the following task:

Page 164
Find out the dimensions of a volleyball court.
Solution: A standard indoor volleyball court is 18 metres long and 9 metres wide.
Page 164
Draw the diagram, and label it.
Solution: Draw a rectangle of 18 m × 9 m and label the centre line, net, attack lines, sidelines, end lines and service zones.
Page 164
Find out the basic rules of volleyball and discuss them with your peers.
Solution: Basic rules include serving from behind the baseline, allowing up to three team touches before returning the ball, avoiding catching or carrying the ball, respecting the net rules and following rotation rules.
Page 164
Discuss about the personal behaviour during the game and how it felt while appreciating a strong player.
Solution: Players should be respectful, honest, disciplined and encouraging. Appreciating a strong player can create positive feelings and team spirit.

Volleyball Court – Easy Revision

Volleyball court diagram

Public-domain/CC0 volleyball court diagram.

PartEasy Meaning
SidelineLong boundary line of the court.
End lineShort boundary line at each end.
Centre lineLine below the net dividing the two sides.
Attack lineLine separating the front and back areas.
Service zoneArea behind the end line from where the serve is made.

Quick Comparison of Skills

SkillMain PurposeType
Underhand PassReceive and control the ballPassing / Defensive
Overhead PassControl or set the ballPassing
Underhand ServeStart playServing
Overhead ServeStart play with overhead actionServing
SettingPrepare the ball for the spikerAttacking preparation
SpikeAttack stronglyAttacking
BlockStop or deflect an attackDefensive
DigSave a hard attacking ballDefensive

Important Terms

Serve Pass Set Spike Block Dig Setter Spiker Blocker Rotation Baseline Attack Line Centre Line Kinetic Energy Potential Energy

One-Page Revision

  1. Underhand Pass: Use the forearms to receive and control the ball.
  2. Overhead Pass: Use the fingertips above the forehead.
  3. Underhand Serve: Strike the ball from below using an upward swing.
  4. Overhead Serve: Toss the ball and strike it with an overhead swing.
  5. Setting: Place the ball accurately for the spiker.
  6. Spike: Attack the ball strongly towards the opponent’s court.
  7. Block: Stop or deflect an opponent’s attack near the net.
  8. Dig: Defend against a hard attack and keep the ball alive.
  9. Rotation: Players move clockwise when their team gains the serve.
  10. Teamwork: Communication, respect and cooperation are important.

Safety and Good Sports Behaviour

  • Warm up before playing.
  • Use correct technique.
  • Keep enough space between players.
  • Do not push or intentionally obstruct another player.
  • Land safely after jumping.
  • Bend the knees while landing.
  • Report pain, injury, bruises or other distress signals.
  • Respect teammates, opponents and teachers.
  • Accept mistakes and keep practising.
  • Appreciate good performance by others.
Class 8 Khel Yatra – Unit 5: Volleyball

Learn the basic movement first, practise slowly, improve control and then increase speed. Good volleyball depends on skill, concentration, teamwork, communication and safe play.

Practice important questions and revision exercises from this unit with this easy Class 8 Khel Yatra worksheet for unit 5 . It is useful for learning, revision, practice and exam preparation.

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