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Lesson 5 - Chasing & Retrieving Skills

Teamwork Foundations

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Reception

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can we make smart decisions about when to run and when to stay safe when batting?

Learning Objectives

To develop chasing and retrieving skills with improved accuracy
To make informed decisions about when to run and when to stay when batting
To communicate effectively with teammates during fielding activities

Key Outcomes

Students will chase and retrieve balls using appropriate techniques
Students will demonstrate decision-making skills when batting
Students will communicate clearly with teammates and show good teamwork

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Stored in mesh bag for easy distribution

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for easier catching

Coloured Bibs

6 (different colours for Harry Potter game)

One colour for Harry Potter, different colour for Voldemorts

Alternative: Coloured bands or sashes

Tennis Rackets

8 bats

Check for damage before use

Alternative: Plastic cricket bats, tennis rackets

Tees

8 tees

Set at appropriate height for Reception students

Alternative: Large cones with ball balanced on top

Cones

20 cones

Use for boundaries and running markers

Alternative: Marker spots, hoops

Hoops

6 hoops

Large enough for 2-3 students to stand in

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Chalk

1 box

For drawing crease lines

Alternative: Marker spots, rope lines

Key Vocabulary

Retrieve

To go and get the ball and bring it back

Batter

The person hitting the ball with the bat

Fielder

The people trying to get the ball when someone hits it

Call

To shout instructions or encouragement to your teammates

Two-handed pickup

Using both hands to collect a ball safely

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic ball rolling and catching skills from previous lessons
Understanding of running between markers
Basic teamwork and turn-taking

Current Skills

Chasing and retrieving skills with appropriate hand positioning
Decision-making when batting about running opportunities
Communication skills during team games

Next Steps

More complex striking and fielding games
Advanced decision-making under pressure
Strategic team positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistently uses two hands for ground balls

Calls clearly to teammates during games

Makes appropriate running decisions 7/10 times

Key Teaching Points

Two-handed pickup technique: step forward, get in line with ball, palms facing ball, fingers pointing down
Decision-making when batting: consider where ball has gone, how far fielders are, whether you can make it safely
Safe bat handling: slide over crease line, never throw or drop bat while running
Teamwork in fielding: communicate clearly, encourage each other, work together to form lines quickly
Positive communication: use encouraging words, help teammates understand what to do
Spatial awareness: understand your position relative to others, move safely around shared space
Progressive skill building: master basic retrieval before adding pressure and decision-making elements

Common Misconceptions

"I should always run when I hit the ball" - teach that sometimes staying is the smart choice
"One hand is always easier" - explain when two hands are safer and more effective
"Fielding is just about being fast" - emphasise teamwork and communication over individual speed
"If I make a mistake, I've failed" - reinforce that mistakes are part of learning and improving
"The loudest team wins" - teach that clear, helpful communication is better than just being loud

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular positional changes, immediate positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step instructions broken down further

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent instructions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of setup, buddy system for navigation

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, written instruction cards, ensure good sight lines for lip reading

physical disability

Adapted equipment sizes, modified distances, seated versions of activities where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive language for movement, communicating clearly with teammates

Science

Forces and motion when rolling balls, understanding speed and direction, gravity effects on ball movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, making decisions under pressure, encouraging others, dealing with success and disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter to observe all groups, positioning near batting areas during striking activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct retrieval technique, safe bat handling, and positive team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe behaviour observed, if students struggling with concepts, or if team dynamics become negative

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate retrieval technique clearly, showing step-by-step body positioning. Model positive communication and decision-making processes.

Verbal Cues

•'Two hands for safety!'
•'Think before you run!'
•'Great teamwork!'
•'Show me your decision-making!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 30m x 20m with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles and hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for damage - no splinters or cracks
•Ensure balls are in good condition - not split or damaged
•Verify hoops are stable and won't slip
•Check chalk lines are clear and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during chasing games
•Bat-related injuries during striking activities
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Teach and reinforce safe bat handling techniques
•Emphasise controlled movement and awareness of others
•Use appropriate ball sizes and ensure controlled rolling speeds

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all batting areas
•Monitor chasing activities for safe play
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
•Ensure adult support for students needing additional guidance

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess and provide appropriate first aid. Have clear access route for emergency services if needed.