Lesson 5 - High Catching and Leadership
Confidence Through Skills
•Year 3
•Rounders
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How can I show leadership while catching high balls safely in a game situation?
Learning Objectives
- To catch high balls comfortably using correct technique
- To demonstrate leadership skills in team situations
- To understand and apply basic scoring and communication in rounders
Key Outcomes
- Students will confidently catch balls at different heights using appropriate footwork
- Students will show leadership through clear communication and decision-making
- Students will apply catching skills effectively in a full rounders game
Equipment & Resources Required
Stored in equipment bag for easy distribution
Alternative: Tennis balls, cricket balls
Set up two diamond shapes for parallel games
Alternative: Cones, markers, hoops
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts
Mark field boundaries and safety zones
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
Key Vocabulary
Catching a ball that comes towards you above head height
Moving backwards quickly while keeping your eyes on the ball
Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball
Taking responsibility and helping your team perform better
Looking directly at someone to show you're ready to receive
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball catching with two hands
- Understanding of simple team games
- Knowledge of basic rounders equipment
Current Skills
- High ball catching with correct technique
- Backpedaling while maintaining eye contact with ball
- Leadership and communication in team games
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding positions and strategies
- Complex batting techniques
- Umpiring and officiating skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- High catches require hands in 'W' shape with thumbs together at eye level
- Communication through eye contact and name calling prevents collisions and improves team performance
- Soft hands that 'give' with the ball prevent bouncing out and ensure secure catches
- Backpedaling requires quick, small steps while maintaining eye contact with the ball
- Leadership in sport means taking responsibility, encouraging others, and making good decisions under pressure
- Catching technique remains the same whether in practice or game situations - never compromise on safety
- Team success depends on every player's contribution, not just the most skilled individuals
Common Misconceptions
- Misconception: 'Hard hands make stronger catches' - Correction: Soft hands that cushion the ball are more effective
- Misconception: 'Looking at hands while catching' - Correction: Eyes must track the ball from thrower to hands
- Misconception: 'Leadership means being loudest' - Correction: Leadership is about taking responsibility and helping others improve
- Misconception: 'Standing still and reaching for high balls' - Correction: Move feet to get underneath the ball's flight path
- Misconception: 'Only captains need to communicate' - Correction: All fielders must communicate to prevent collisions
- Misconception: 'Catching with fingertips for high balls' - Correction: Use full palm and fingers in W-shape formation
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with frequent position changes, clear visual boundaries, regular positive feedback and praise
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment options, simplified catching progressions, extra demonstration time, buddy support system
autism spectrum
- Clear routine with visual schedule, quiet reflection zones available, predictable team roles and positions
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, buddy system for positioning, verbal descriptions of ball flight and positioning
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for start/stop, clear hand signals for communication, written team instructions and rules
physical disability
- Seated catching variations, use of larger/softer balls, modified field positions with wheelchair access
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting rounders scored, calculating team totals, measuring distances for throwing and field setup
Science
Understanding trajectory and flight path of balls, forces involved in catching and throwing
Geography
Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and field layout
PSHE
Leadership skills, teamwork, resilience when facing challenges, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during skill activities, central position during game to observe both teams
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching technique, communication quality, and leadership behaviours
Intervention Points
Step in if multiple students going for same ball without calling, correct unsafe catching technique immediately
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for catching technique, model positive communication and leadership behaviours throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball, soft hands!'
- •'Call your name loudly!'
- •'Quick feet to get behind the ball!'
- •'Show leadership through encouragement!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 40m x 60m for two parallel rounders games, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, appropriate for running and diving
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rounders balls are in good condition with no splits
- •Ensure bats have no cracks or splinters
- •Verify bases are securely positioned and not slippery
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head during high catching
- •Collisions between fielders going for same ball
- •Tripping over bases during running
- •Bat accidents during batting rotation
Risk Mitigation
- •Emphasise calling name when going for catches
- •Practice high catching technique before game application
- •Clear spacing rules between fielders
- •Supervised bat handling and storage
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear sight of both games
- •Monitor high catching activities closely
- •Watch for appropriate communication during fielding
- •Ensure safe transition between activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, inform school office if serious