⚾

Lesson 4 - Ground Fielding Techniques

Confidence Through Skills

•

Year 3

•

Rounders

•

Big Question

How can I choose the right fielding technique to stop the ball and help my team win?

Learning Objectives

To develop ground fielding techniques using appropriate hand and body positioning
To understand when to use different fielding techniques based on ball speed and direction
To apply fielding skills effectively in a game situation with rule understanding

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate confident ground fielding using one-handed and two-handed techniques
Students will show tactical awareness by selecting appropriate fielding methods
Students will participate in a full rounders game applying skills and demonstrating rule knowledge

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

4-6

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for confidence building

Rounders Posts and Bases

8 sets (4 bases × 2 pitches)

Two full rounders pitches set up

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or markers for bases

Hoops

Used as bowling targets in practice activities

Alternative: Target circles drawn with chalk

Dish Cones

Define boundaries and practice areas

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Key Vocabulary

Ground fielding

Stopping and collecting a ball that is rolling or bouncing along the ground

One-handed pickup

Fielding technique using one hand to scoop up a ball in continuous motion

Two-handed fielding

Using both hands to secure the ball with body as a backup barrier

Backstop

The player positioned behind the batter to catch missed balls and coordinate fielding

No ball

An illegal delivery in rounders that gives the batter an advantage

Overarm throw

Throwing technique where the arm comes over the shoulder for power and accuracy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of rounders basic rules
Throwing and catching with a partner

Current Skills

Ground fielding techniques - one-handed and two-handed
Body positioning for effective fielding
Tactical awareness in fielding positions

Next Steps

Advanced fielding under pressure
Team fielding strategies and communication
Competitive rounders tournaments

Milestone Indicators

Confident fielding of rolling balls without fumbling

Quick transition from fielding to throwing

Understanding of when to use different techniques

Key Teaching Points

Ground fielding technique selection depends on ball speed and situation - teach decision-making alongside skills
Body positioning with foot behind ball creates essential backup barrier for fielding security
Continuous motion from fielding to throwing eliminates hesitation and improves game effectiveness
Backstop communication role reduces field confusion and builds leadership skills
Self-assessment development helps students take ownership of their learning progress
Game application under pressure tests true skill mastery beyond practice situations
Rule understanding must be checked through application, not just verbal explanation

Common Misconceptions

"I can field any ball one-handed" - Teach appropriate technique selection based on ball speed and direction
"Throwing harder is always better" - Emphasise accuracy and control over power in game situations
"Rules don't matter in practice" - Connect rule understanding to skill application throughout lesson
"Fielding is just about catching" - Develop understanding of positioning, communication and tactical awareness
"I should always throw to first base" - Build decision-making about best throwing target options

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier manipulation, reduced complexity in initial technique teaching, extra practice time and repetition

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure with visual schedule, quiet zones available during intense games, consistent rules and expectations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and bases, verbal descriptions of fielding positions, buddy system for movement around pitch

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written rule summaries available

physical disability

Modified fielding positions closer to action, larger/softer equipment for easier handling, seated fielding options available

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions for rule understanding, communication skills in team coordination, vocabulary development with technical terms

Maths

Counting successful attempts and calculating success rates, measuring distances for fielding positions, angles of throwing and ball trajectory

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing and catching, friction affecting ball roll, body mechanics in fielding techniques

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on field, directions and orientations for fielding placements, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in fielding positions, resilience when making mistakes, leadership through backstop communication role

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position for warm-up, circulate during skill practice, position between pitches for game oversight

Observation Focus

Watch for technique application under pressure, team communication effectiveness, rule understanding in action

Intervention Points

Step in if fielding technique becomes unsafe, clarify rules confusion immediately, support struggling students with encouragement

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate techniques at normal speed then slower for analysis, use students to show good examples, emphasise key teaching points through physical modelling

Verbal Cues

•'Get low for the scoop!'
•'Foot behind the ball!'
•'Smooth, continuous motion!'
•'Quick decision, confident action!'
•'Backstop calls the play!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two rounders pitches minimum 25m x 15m each, clear of obstacles and boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, level grass or suitable sports surface free from holes or hazards

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Rounders balls checked for damage and appropriate firmness
•Bats inspected for cracks or splinters
•Bases/posts stable and positioned safely
•Hoops checked for smooth edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from batting or throwing
•Collisions during running or fielding
•Tripping over equipment or bases
•Bat contact during swing follow-through

Risk Mitigation

•Clear batting areas with adequate safe zones
•Controlled throwing distances appropriate for age
•Proper spacing between activity groups
•Equipment properly positioned and secured
•Progressive skill building before full game application

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both pitches during games
•Monitor batting areas for safe swing space
•Observe throwing activities for appropriate power
•Ensure backstop role includes safety awareness

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal practiced and understood, immediate assessment of any injuries, appropriate first aid response and incident recording