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
No credit card
Free forever
Big Question

How do we work as a team to score points and stop the other team from scoring?

Learning Objectives

  • To understand the different roles of batter, bowler and fielder in striking and fielding games
  • To develop throwing, catching and retrieving skills in game situations
  • To learn how to score points and keep track of the score

Key Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate understanding of team roles in striking and fielding
  • Students will apply basic throwing and catching skills in competitive situations
  • Students will be able to count and remember their scores during games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones
15

Used for boundaries, scoring zones and jumping targets

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Balls
8

One per group of 4 students for main activities

Alternative: Large foam balls, beach balls for easier catching

Tennis Balls
15

One per pair for skill development activities

Alternative: Bean bags, soft balls, foam balls

Key Vocabulary

Batter

The person who kicks or strikes the ball to start the game

Bowler

The person who rolls or throws the ball to start play

Fielder

The players who try to collect the ball and return it quickly

Ready position

Feet apart, knees bent, eyes watching, ready to move quickly

Retrieve

To collect the ball and bring it back as quickly as possible

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

  • Basic underarm throwing technique
  • Simple catching with two hands
  • Understanding of taking turns and following rules

Current Skills

  • Applying throwing and catching in game contexts
  • Understanding team roles and responsibilities
  • Counting and scoring in competitive activities

Next Steps

  • More complex striking and fielding games
  • Tactical decision making in game situations
  • Leading and organising team activities

Milestone Indicators

1
Demonstrates clear understanding of each role
2
Consistently applies skills under pressure
3
Shows good sportsmanship and teamwork

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise the different responsibilities each role has in striking and fielding games
  • Focus on accuracy and control in throwing rather than power
  • Encourage fielders to work as a team rather than individuals chasing the ball
  • Develop counting and scoring skills as integral part of competitive activities
  • Build understanding that everyone gets turns in all roles
  • Celebrate improvement and effort alongside successful performance
  • Connect skills learned to real sports like cricket, rounders and baseball

Common Misconceptions

  • Thinking the fielders compete against each other instead of working as one team
  • Believing harder/faster throwing is always better than accurate/controlled throwing
  • Assuming only the batter or thrower can score points in these games
  • Not understanding that the bowler is trying to help the batter succeed, not make it difficult
  • Thinking that catching is just about hand position rather than footwork and positioning
  • Believing that being 'out' means they failed rather than it being part of the game structure

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Shorter activity bursts with more changes, clear boundaries marked, regular positive feedback, movement breaks as needed
dyspraxia
  • Larger, softer balls for easier handling, reduced throwing distances, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
  • Clear visual schedule of activities, consistent routines, quiet space available if needed, structured role rotations
visual impairment
  • Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of ball location, buddy system for fielding, sound cues for ball movement
hearing impairment
  • Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written role cards with pictures, visual timers
physical disability
  • Adapted throwing distances, seated bowling positions, rolling instead of throwing, modified scoring systems

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, explaining rules and tactics, using sports vocabulary accurately, discussing performance

Science

Forces in throwing and catching, trajectory of balls, reaction time, effects of exercise on breathing and heart rate

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with winning and losing, supporting others, following rules and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during introductions, circulate during activities to give individual feedback and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Watch for correct role understanding, skill application under pressure, and positive social interactions

Intervention Points

Step in when students show confusion about roles, when safety is compromised, or when negative behaviour affects others

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show techniques clearly, involve students in demonstrations, always show what TO do rather than what NOT to do

Verbal Cues
  • 'Eyes on the ball!'
  • 'Get in your ready position!'
  • 'Work together as fielders!'
  • 'Quick feet to move to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor or large indoor space with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris and obstacles

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
  • Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
  • Verify adequate number of balls to avoid sharing conflicts

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • Ball strikes to head or body
  • Collisions during running and fielding
  • Trips and falls when moving quickly
  • Overexertion in energetic activities
Risk Mitigation
  • Clear boundaries established with adequate buffer zones
  • Underarm throwing only - no overarm throws
  • Controlled rolling ball introductions
  • Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
  • Regular rest periods and hydration checks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • Position to observe all groups during activities
  • Move around constantly during skill practice
  • Pay particular attention to ball flight paths
  • Monitor energy levels and provide rest as needed
Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if trained, seek additional help if required, complete accident forms