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Lesson 5 - High Catching and Leadership

Confidence Through Skills

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Year 3

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Rounders

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1h 11min

Big Question

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

Rounders Equipment

8-10

Stored in equipment bag for easy distribution

Alternative: Tennis balls, cricket balls

Rounders Posts and Bases

8 (4 per game)

Set up two diamond shapes for parallel games

Alternative: Cones, markers, hoops

Bibs

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team shirts

Cones

Mark field boundaries and safety zones

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Key Vocabulary

High catch

Catching a ball that comes towards you above head height

Backpedal

Moving backwards quickly while keeping your eyes on the ball

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball

Leadership

Taking responsibility and helping your team perform better

Eye contact

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

Consistently catches high balls without fear

Shows clear leadership through vocal communication

Makes good decisions under pressure

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