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Lesson 4 - Fielding to Bases

Team Play Striking Skills

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

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

Softballs

15-20

Distributed around playing area for fielding activities

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls, foam balls

Cones

20-30

Used to mark bases and batting squares

Alternative: Markers, hoops, spots

Bibs

1 per student

For tail tag warm-up activity

Alternative: Coloured bands, scarves

Rackets

6-8

For striking in main game activity

Alternative: Bats, hands for self-feeding

Key Vocabulary

Base

A specific location where balls must be returned to stop runners or get them out

Fielding

Collecting and returning balls that have been hit by strikers

Striker

The player who hits the ball and tries to run to score points

Teamwork

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

Consistently returns balls to bases when fielding

Communicates effectively with fielding teammates

Makes appropriate decisions about when to throw vs carry balls to bases

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