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Lesson 6 - Tournament Play & Positioning

Confidence Through Skills

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Year 3

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can I work as part of a team to play effectively in different positions during a competitive rounders tournament?

Learning Objectives

To perform effectively in a range of fielding positions during competitive games
To demonstrate understanding of backing up other fielders and tactical positioning
To show understanding and acceptance of rules and decisions in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully play in multiple positions showing tactical awareness
Students will demonstrate effective backing up and communication skills
Students will apply rules correctly and accept umpire decisions with good sportsmanship

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

4-6

One ball per game plus spares

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft cricket balls

Rounders Posts and Bases

16 (4 sets of 4)

Set up two diamond shapes for two simultaneous games

Alternative: Cones, hoops, or markers

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

Used for self-assessment positioning at lesson end

Alternative: Different coloured markers or cards

Mats

Mark fielding positions for backing up practice

Alternative: Small cones or chalk marks

Digital Cameras

For recording evidence and assessment

Alternative: Phone or video recorder

Key Vocabulary

Backstop

The player positioned behind the batting area to collect balls that are missed or not hit

Backing up

Supporting another fielder by positioning behind them in case they miss the ball

Base runner

A player who has hit the ball and is running around the bases to score

Tournament

A competition where multiple teams play against each other

Captain

The team leader who makes decisions and communicates with teammates

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing techniques
Understanding of basic rounders rules
Experience playing in simple game situations

Current Skills

Positional play and tactical awareness
Backing up and supporting teammates
Tournament play and competitive understanding

Next Steps

Advanced tactical decisions in competitive situations
Leadership roles in team sports
Understanding game tactics across different sports

Milestone Indicators

Shows confidence playing in multiple positions

Communicates effectively with teammates during play

Demonstrates good sportsmanship throughout competitive play

Key Teaching Points

Communication is crucial - clear calls prevent collisions and confusion
Backing up means positioning 2-3 metres behind the main fielder
Captains lead by example and make calm, clear decisions
Good sportsmanship means accepting all decisions positively
Every position in rounders requires different skills and understanding
Tournament play tests your skills under pressure - stay focused
Quick reactions and decision-making are essential for effective fielding

Common Misconceptions

Mistake: 'Only the person catching the ball matters' - Correction: 'Everyone has a role in backing up and supporting'
Mistake: 'Captains should shout all the time' - Correction: 'Captains give clear, calm instructions when needed'
Mistake: 'Rules can be changed if we don't like them' - Correction: 'Rules stay the same and we must accept decisions'
Mistake: 'Backing up means standing right behind someone' - Correction: 'Backing up requires 2-3 metres distance for safety'
Mistake: 'Tournament games are just for fun' - Correction: 'Tournaments test our skills and sportsmanship under pressure'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent position changes, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between innings

dyspraxia

Larger balls for catching practice, simplified throwing technique, extra practice time, reduced complexity in positioning

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of tournament format, quiet retreat area available, consistent rules application

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and posts, provide verbal descriptions of play, partner support system, audio cues for positioning

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for communication, written rule cards, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Modified throwing distances, larger target areas, adapted equipment, alternative scoring methods, seated positions where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during games, following and giving instructions, explaining rules and tactics to others

Maths

Counting balls bowled (14-16), calculating tournament scores, understanding odd and even numbers, measuring distances between bases

Science

Forces in throwing and catching, trajectory and angles, reaction times, body systems during exercise and competition

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding directions and movement patterns, mapping positions on field

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions and disappointment, leadership skills, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between both tournament pitches for optimal observation, position near backing up practice groups

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, communication quality, rule understanding, and sportsmanship

Intervention Points

Step in for unsafe play, rule clarification, conflict resolution, or tactical coaching opportunities

Demonstration Notes

Use best performing groups as examples, highlight specific tactical successes, model positive decision acceptance

Verbal Cues

•'Back each other up!'
•'Listen to your captain!'
•'Great decision making!'
•'Show me good sportsmanship!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Two rounders pitches minimum 30m x 20m each, with 5m safety gap between

Surface Check

Flat, dry surface free from holes or debris, adequate drainage

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders posts are secure and stable
•Ensure balls are appropriate size and condition
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Trips and falls when running between bases
•Fatigue affecting concentration and safety

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between pitches
•Adequate spacing during backing up practice
•Teaching safe catching technique with eyes on ball
•Monitoring energy levels during tournament

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both pitches during tournament
•Monitor high-activity areas around bases
•Watch for tired players affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, clear communication with other groups