Lesson 4 - Fielding to Bases
Team Play Striking Skills
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
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How can we work together as fielders to stop runners from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To introduce the concept of fielding balls to bases to stop runners
- To develop teamwork skills when working together to return balls to bases
- To understand why runners must stop when balls are returned to bases
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to field balls and return them to bases individually
- Students will demonstrate effective teamwork when fielding as a group
- Students will explain why strikers stop running when balls reach bases
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around playing area for fielding activities
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls
Used to mark bases and batting squares
Alternative: Markers, hoops, spots
For tail tag warm-up activity
Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves
For striking in main game activity
Alternative: Bats, hands for self-feeding
Key Vocabulary
A specific location where balls must be returned to stop runners or get them out
Collecting and returning balls that have been hit by strikers
The player who hits the ball and tries to run to score points
Working together with your fielding team to stop runners scoring
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills - picking up and carrying balls
- Understanding of simple team games and cooperation
- Awareness of space and moving safely around others
Current Skills
- Fielding balls to specific targets (bases)
- Working as part of a fielding team
- Understanding the strategic purpose of fielding to bases
Next Steps
- Throwing balls accurately under pressure
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
- Quick decision-making in game situations
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Runners must stop when balls reach bases - this is fundamental to striking and fielding games
- Fielders work as a team, not individuals - communication and positioning are key
- Decision-making about throwing vs carrying depends on distance and accuracy
- Safe ball collection technique prevents injuries and improves success
- Tactical positioning helps fielders cover more ground effectively
- Celebrating effort and teamwork builds positive sporting attitudes
- Progressive challenge keeps all students engaged and learning
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking runners can continue running indefinitely - clarify that balls at bases stop play
- Believing all fielders should chase the same ball - teach about spreading out and teamwork
- Assuming throwing is always faster than carrying - help students understand tactical decision-making
- Thinking the game is about individual performance - emphasise team success over personal achievement
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear role definitions, regular movement breaks, fidget tools if helpful
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movements, extra practice time, adult support for complex tasks
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, verbal descriptions of base positions, buddy system for navigation
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written key points on display
physical disability
- Adapted throwing distances, seated fielding options, larger/lighter balls if needed
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting runs scored, measuring distances to bases, timing activities in seconds
Science
Understanding forces when throwing balls, effects of exercise on heart rate
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, mapping positions on field
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions in competitive situations, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand at corner of area for visibility of all activities, move to support different groups as needed
Observation Focus
Watch for safe ball handling, appropriate teamwork, understanding of base concept
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with basic technique, safety concerns arise, or game becomes too complex
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for ball collection and base targeting, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Find the nearest base!'
- •'Work together fielders!'
- •'Ball to base stops the runner!'
- •'Safe hands when collecting!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor area or large hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Soft balls only - no hard cricket balls
- •Cones checked for cracks or sharp edges
- •Rackets appropriate size for Year 1 if used
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between running students and fielders
- •Balls hitting students in face or body
- •Slips and falls during running activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established and maintained
- •Students taught safe ball collection technique
- •Adequate space between different groups/games
- •Teacher positioned for maximum visibility of all students
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Monitor running lanes for potential collisions
- •Watch for appropriate throwing technique
- •Ensure students wait for signal before starting activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess any injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school office if needed