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Lesson 6 - Team Fielding and Striking Skills

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 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

Softballs

6-8 balls

Available at the side of the playing area for quick access

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls, tennis balls

PE Equipment

4-6 bats or paddles

Different sizes available for different abilities

Alternative: Large plastic spoons, wooden paddles, hands only

Cones

12-16 cones

Mark bases, boundaries, and fielding zones clearly

Alternative: Bean bags, spots, chalk marks

Hoops

4-6 hoops

Target areas for returning balls during fielding

Alternative: Cones, boxes, marked circles

Bibs

20 bibs in 4 different colours

Clear team identification for rotating groups

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers, hair ties

Key Vocabulary

Fielder

A player whose job is to stop the ball and prevent the strikers from scoring points

Striker

A player whose job is to hit the ball and run between bases to score points

Collaboration

Working together as a team to achieve the same goal

Zone

The area where fielders must stand to defend their team

Underarm throw

Throwing the ball with an upward swing motion from below waist height

Communication

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

Students consistently communicate during team activities

Teams move the ball efficiently between all fielders

Students can explain simple team tactics to others

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.