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Lesson 5 - Strategic Hitting and Base Running

Striking & Fielding Fundamentals

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Keep spare balls around playing area perimeter

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls

PE Equipment

1 per student (30)

Various sizes available for student choice

Alternative: Rounders bats, cricket bats, tennis racquets, large spoons

Cones

8-12

Mark bases and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Hoops, markers

Hoops

4-6

Place at base positions for clear targets

Alternative: Buckets, targets

Dish Cones

6-8

For students needing hitting support

Alternative: Low cones, markers

Key Vocabulary

Self-feeding

Throwing the ball up to yourself before hitting it

Base running

Running quickly between scoring areas to earn points

Fielding

Working as a team to collect and return the ball quickly

Sideways stance

Standing with side facing the target when hitting

Strategic 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

Student can self-feed and strike accurately 6 out of 10 times

Demonstrates clear communication with fielding teammates

Makes deliberate choices about hitting direction

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