Lesson 6 - Team Fielding and Striking Skills
Striking & Fielding Fundamentals
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
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How can we work as a team to score points and stop the other team from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate collaborative teamwork to score points effectively
- Show awareness of teammates when fielding and communicate effectively
- Throw and retrieve with increasing accuracy in game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will work collaboratively as a team to score and prevent points
- Students will demonstrate improved fielding teamwork and communication
- Students will throw accurately between teammates during gameplay
Equipment & Resources Required
Available at the side of the playing area for quick access
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls
Different sizes available for different abilities
Alternative: Large plastic spoons, wooden paddles, hands only
Mark bases, boundaries, and fielding zones clearly
Alternative: Bean bags, spots, chalk marks
Target areas for returning balls during fielding
Alternative: Cones, boxes, marked circles
Clear team identification for rotating groups
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers, hair ties
Key Vocabulary
A player whose job is to stop the ball and prevent the strikers from scoring points
A player whose job is to hit the ball and run between bases to score points
Working together as a team to achieve the same goal
The area where fielders must stand to defend their team
Throwing the ball with an upward swing motion from below waist height
Talking clearly to teammates to help the team work together
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills from previous lessons
- Understanding of hit, run, catch game structure
- Individual fielding and striking techniques
Current Skills
- Collaborative teamwork in fielding situations
- Communication between teammates during gameplay
- Strategic positioning and ball movement as a team
Next Steps
- Advanced team tactics and strategies
- Leadership roles within teams
- Tournament-style gameplay with multiple teams
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- All fielders must work as a team and communicate clearly throughout activities
- Strategic hitting requires observation of fielding positions before striking
- Underarm throwing provides better accuracy for short-distance team passes
- Team success is more important than individual performance in collaborative activities
- Clear communication using teammates' names improves team coordination significantly
- Every team member has an important role and must be included in ball-handling sequences
- Patience and encouragement help teammates learn and improve their skills
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'The fastest player should get every ball.' - Correction: 'Every fielder has an important job and everyone must be involved.'
- Misconception: 'Shouting louder makes better communication.' - Correction: 'Clear, calm voices work better than shouting.'
- Misconception: 'We should always hit the ball as hard as possible.' - Correction: 'Smart placement is more effective than power.'
- Misconception: 'If someone drops the ball, the game is ruined.' - Correction: 'Mistakes happen - help your teammate and keep trying.'
- Misconception: 'Only the good players should handle the ball.' - Correction: 'Everyone improves by being included and practicing.'
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer movement breaks, use positive reinforcement frequently, assign specific roles within teams
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for throwing sequences, use larger equipment, provide step-by-step movement instructions, offer physical prompts if needed
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure with visual schedule, maintain consistent team groupings, offer quiet zones if overstimulated, use social stories about teamwork
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, use bells in balls for audio cues, assign buddy for spatial guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals and demonstrations, provide written instructions, ensure students can see teacher and teammates clearly, use gestures for communication cues
physical disability
- Modify throwing distances, allow seated fielding positions, use larger/lighter balls, provide alternative batting equipment, adapt running requirements
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing vocabulary related to teamwork and collaboration, using clear communication skills, following and giving instructions
Maths
Counting runs scored by teams, measuring distances between bases, calculating team scores and comparing totals
Science
Understanding forces when throwing and hitting balls, exploring how teamwork affects success rates
PSHE
Working collaboratively towards shared goals, showing respect for teammates, dealing with disappointment positively, celebrating others' achievements
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of playing area for maximum visibility of all teams. Move between teams during activities to give specific coaching feedback.
Observation Focus
Monitor team communication, inclusiveness of all members, safe use of equipment, and quality of collaborative decision-making.
Intervention Points
Step in if teams are not including all members, if communication breaks down, if safety concerns arise, or if students become frustrated with teammates.
Demonstration Notes
Use students as helpers for demonstrations. Show both good and improved examples. Emphasise that mistakes are learning opportunities in team activities.
Verbal Cues
- •'I can hear great communication from the blue team!'
- •'Remember to call your teammate's name before throwing!'
- •'How can you help your teammate who dropped the ball?'
- •'Look for the spaces where there are no fielders!'
- •'Everyone must touch the ball - how can you include Sarah?'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, with multiple playing areas of 10m x 15m each for team activities
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from hazards. Check for any wet patches, debris, or obstacles before beginning activities
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all bats and paddles for splinters or damage before use
- •Ensure balls are soft and appropriate for indoor/outdoor use
- •Verify hoops and cones are in good condition with no sharp edges
- •Check bibs are clean and fastenings are secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between students during fast movement
- •Injuries from batting equipment if used incorrectly
- •Ball strikes to head or body during throwing activities
- •Slips and falls during running between bases
Risk Mitigation
- •Establish clear boundaries and safe zones for all activities
- •Ensure adequate spacing between different team playing areas
- •Teach and reinforce safe batting technique - no wild swings
- •Use only soft balls appropriate for year group
- •Emphasise controlled movement rather than maximum speed
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all team activities simultaneously
- •Move between groups to monitor technique and safety
- •Watch for students becoming overexcited or competitive
- •Monitor batting activities particularly closely
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Apply appropriate first aid. Ensure other students remain calm and safe. Contact school office if serious injury.