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Lesson 6 - Team Fielding & Hitting Strategy

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 as a team to score runs and stop the other team from scoring?

Learning Objectives

Work collaboratively to restrict runs through effective fielding
Hit balls into space to score runs strategically
Describe key differences between striker and fielder roles

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate teamwork in fielding positions
Students will show understanding of space awareness when hitting
Students will articulate the different responsibilities of strikers and fielders

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

20-30 mixed colours

Scattered around playing area for warm-up, arranged in circle for main game

Alternative: Dome markers, bean bags

Game Balls

6-8 (various sizes)

Different sizes for differentiation

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls

PE Equipment

8-10

Range of equipment to suit different abilities

Alternative: Hands for throwing, small rackets, foam paddles

Markers

8-12

Clearly visible markers for running bases

Alternative: Hoops, flat markers, chalk circles

Key Vocabulary

Fielder

A player who tries to catch or collect the ball to stop runs being scored

Striker

A player who hits or throws the ball to try and score runs

Space

An area on the field where there are no fielders standing

Base

A safe place that runners must reach to complete a run

Retrieve

To collect the ball quickly after it has been hit

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of running between markers
Simple rules of hit, run, catch games

Current Skills

Collaborative fielding techniques
Strategic hitting for space
Role differentiation in team games

Next Steps

More complex fielding formations
Advanced batting techniques
Game tactics and team strategy

Milestone Indicators

Students choose hitting direction based on fielder positions

Teams communicate to coordinate fielding efforts

Clear understanding of when to run and when to stop

Key Teaching Points

Strikers should look for spaces between fielders before hitting
Fielders must communicate and work together to be efficient
Safe running technique - controlled speed and awareness of others
Different roles require different ready positions and movements
Teamwork is more important than individual skill in this game

Common Misconceptions

Thinking hitting harder is always better - correct by emphasising accuracy to space
Fielders working individually instead of as team - reinforce communication and cooperation
Confusing running routes - use clear demonstrations and visual markers
Believing only catching counts in fielding - show importance of quick retrieval and accurate throwing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, specific role assignments, regular movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, simplified sequences, additional practice time with adult support

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, defined roles and boundaries, quiet break available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for running routes

hearing impairment

Visual signals for start/stop, written instructions on display, ensure face-to-face communication for rules

physical disability

Seated throwing option, modified bases closer together, larger/lighter equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs scored, measuring distances between bases, timing activities, comparing scores between teams

Science

Understanding forces when hitting balls, discussing how muscles work during running, exploring concepts of speed and acceleration

Geography

Using directional language (left, right, behind, in front), understanding spatial relationships on the field

PSHE

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

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter of activity to maintain visibility of all students, position near hitting area during main game for safety

Observation Focus

Watch for understanding of roles, safe movement, teamwork development, and skill progression

Intervention Points

Step in if students confused about rules, safety concerns arise, or teams become significantly unbalanced

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate new skills slowly and clearly, involve students in demonstrations when safe, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Hit to space, not to players!'
•'Fielders, work together!'
•'Safe running, controlled speed!'
•'Well done, excellent teamwork!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m area, clear of obstacles and with soft boundaries

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from loose stones, holes or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Ensure cones have no cracks or sharp edges
•Verify hitting equipment is appropriate size and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Being hit by thrown balls
•Tripping over cones or equipment
•Overexertion during running activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for running routes
•Safe distances maintained between teams
•Soft balls used appropriate for age group
•Controlled running speed emphasised throughout

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to see all students during active games
•Monitor warm-up for safe movement patterns
•Watch hitting areas for appropriate directions
•Ensure rest periods as needed

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, inform school office if necessary