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Lesson 1 - Hitting and Scoring Points

Striking Basics

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can we use hitting skills to score the maximum points while working as a team?

Learning Objectives

To develop fundamental hitting skills using hands or bats
To understand team tactics in fielding situations
To make strategic decisions about ball placement

Key Outcomes

Students will hit a ball with increasing accuracy and control
Students will demonstrate effective teamwork when fielding
Students will make tactical choices about where to hit the ball

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

1 per pair (15)

Distributed in equipment bag at side of area

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls

Cones

20 cones

Set up in diamond formation, 5 metres apart

Alternative: Bean bags, hoops

Bats

10 bats

Available for extension activities

Alternative: Tennis racquets, hands only

Markers

8 cones

Mark playing area boundaries

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

Batting stance

The position a batter takes before hitting the ball

Fielding

Working as a team to collect and return the ball

Base running

Running to touch cones to score points

Tactics

Making smart choices about where to hit the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination
Understanding of simple games
Ability to run and stop safely

Current Skills

Hitting a ball with hand or bat
Strategic ball placement
Team fielding coordination

Next Steps

Bowling techniques
Advanced batting stances
Complex team strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact with the ball

Running to 3+ cones regularly

Effective team communication

Key Teaching Points

Side-on batting stance provides better hitting control and power
Watching the ball from bowler's hand improves contact success
Gentle bowling ensures positive hitting experiences for all students
Strategic ball placement helps maximise scoring opportunities
Team communication in fielding speeds up ball return
Fair rotation ensures everyone experiences all game roles
Safety through controlled hitting and clear boundaries

Common Misconceptions

Harder hitting always scores more points - actually control and placement matter more
Fielders should crowd around the batter - better positioned spread out
Running to all bases is always best - sometimes strategic stopping scores more
Only strong students can be good at hitting - technique and timing matter more than strength
Competition means being unfriendly - good games include supporting all players

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, frequent position changes, clear role definitions

dyspraxia

Larger equipment, reduced complexity, extra practice time, step-by-step breakdowns

autism spectrum

Clear routines for rotation, visual schedule of activities, quiet zone available

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, verbal cues for direction, buddy system for base running

hearing impairment

Visual signals for start/stop, clear demonstrations, written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapted hitting positions, wheelchair accessible bases, modified distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting points scored, measuring distances between bases, calculating team totals

Science

Understanding forces when hitting balls, trajectory and movement patterns

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positions on the field

PSHE

Teamwork skills, dealing with disappointment, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand where you can see both hitting area and fielding zones, move to support struggling groups

Observation Focus

Watch for hitting technique development, team cooperation, strategic thinking, and safety compliance

Intervention Points

Step in if hitting becomes too forceful, if children show frustration, or if safety rules are ignored

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate hitting technique slowly and clearly, emphasise safety aspects, show both hand and bat options

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball!'
•'Side-on stance!'
•'Work together fielders!'
•'Touch the cone clearly!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 20m, clear flat surface with run-off space around bases

Surface Check

Check for holes, wet patches, debris, or uneven surfaces before lesson

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Inspect soft balls for damage or hard spots
•Check bats for cracks or splinters
•Ensure cones are visible and stable
•Verify no equipment in running paths

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Trips over equipment or surface hazards
•Overexertion in competitive situations

Risk Mitigation

•Use only soft sponge balls for hitting practice
•Establish clear fielding positions away from runner
•Emphasise gentle hitting and bowling only
•Clear boundaries and safe zones marked
•Regular equipment safety checks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe hitting area and base running
•Monitor competitive behaviour and emotions
•Watch for correct technique to prevent injury
•Ensure rotation system prevents overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed