Lesson 5 - Strategic Hitting and Base Running
Striking & Fielding Fundamentals
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use clever hitting and quick teamwork to score the most points possible?
Learning Objectives
- Run strategically between bases to maximise scoring opportunities
- Work collaboratively as fielders to retrieve balls efficiently
- Make tactical decisions about where to hit the ball to avoid fielders
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate strategic base running between scoring areas
- Students will show improved teamwork when fielding and communicating
- Students will make deliberate hitting choices to create scoring opportunities
Equipment & Resources Required
Keep spare balls around playing area perimeter
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls
Various sizes available for student choice
Alternative: Rounders bats, cricket bats, tennis racquets, large spoons
Mark bases and boundaries clearly
Alternative: Hoops, markers
Place at base positions for clear targets
Alternative: Buckets, targets
For students needing hitting support
Alternative: Low cones, markers
Key Vocabulary
Throwing the ball up to yourself before hitting it
Running quickly between scoring areas to earn points
Working as a team to collect and return the ball quickly
Standing with side facing the target when hitting
Choosing where to hit the ball to avoid fielders
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic striking technique using hand or simple equipment
- Understanding of running between designated areas
- Simple catching and throwing skills
Current Skills
- Strategic hitting placement to avoid fielders
- Communication during team fielding
- Decision-making about when to run for points
Next Steps
- Advanced self-feeding techniques
- Complex fielding positions and strategies
- Consistent striking under pressure
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Self-feeding technique requires gentle toss and patience - not power
- Sideways stance is fundamental for effective striking and safety
- Strategic hitting means looking first, then choosing direction
- Fielding teamwork depends on clear, loud communication
- Base running success comes from timing and quick decisions
- Quality technique practice is more valuable than rushing through attempts
- Encouragement and support help all students achieve success
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Hitting harder always scores more points' - Correction: Placement and timing are more important than power
- Misconception: 'I should run immediately after hitting' - Correction: Watch where the ball goes first, then decide
- Misconception: 'Fielders should all chase the ball' - Correction: One collects, others position for the return
- Misconception: 'Self-feeding is too hard for Year 1' - Correction: With practice and support, most students can succeed
- Misconception: 'It doesn't matter where fielders stand' - Correction: Good positions help prevent scoring opportunities
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter practice periods with frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive reinforcement
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer equipment for easier success, extra practice time for technique, step-by-step technique breakdown cards
autism spectrum
- Clear routine for each striking attempt, visual schedule showing lesson progression, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of fielder positions, buddy system for base running guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written reminder cards for key techniques
physical disability
- Seated striking options, modified equipment with larger handles, shorter base running distances or wheelchair accessible routes
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points scored during base running, measuring distances between bases, calculating team scores
Science
Understanding forces in striking actions, trajectory of thrown balls, effect of surface on ball bounce
Geography
Directional language for strategic hitting, spatial awareness on playing field, mapping of base positions
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation during fielding, resilience when techniques don't work immediately, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location during demonstrations, mobile during practice to provide individual feedback, corner position during games for full court visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct sideways stance, safe partner positioning, effective team communication, strategic decision-making
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe practices observed, provide immediate feedback on technique breakdown, support students struggling with self-feeding
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for clarity, show both correct technique and common mistakes, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Sideways stance, like a dancer!'
- •'Gentle toss, wait for the bounce!'
- •'Eyes on the ball all the way!'
- •'Look for the gaps!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 25m x 20m outdoor space, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Level grass or hard court surface, free from holes, debris, or wet patches
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •All striking equipment checked for cracks or loose handles
- •Balls inflated correctly and free from damage
- •Cones stable and not cracked or broken
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Striking implement contact with other students
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions during base running
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear swing zones established with adequate spacing
- •Partners positioned safely during striking practice
- •Base running circuits planned to avoid crossing paths
- •Gradual increase in activity intensity
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all striking activities
- •Monitor spacing between students during practice phases
- •Watch for fatigue affecting coordination and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, seek additional help if needed