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Lesson 4 - Long Barrier & Ball Stopping

Fielding Mastery

•

Year 3

•

Rounders

•

45 min

Big Question

How can fielders use their whole body as a barrier to prevent runs being scored?

Learning Objectives

To learn and apply the long barrier technique to stop ground balls effectively
To understand when and why to use different fielding methods in games
To develop accurate rolling and retrieving skills under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate the long barrier technique with correct body positioning
Students will apply fielding skills effectively to reduce opposition scoring
Students will work collaboratively as a fielding team to support each other

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Rounders Balls

1 per pair (15 balls)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

20 markers

Used for gates, bases and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spot markers, bean bags

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

To distinguish teams clearly

Alternative: Team bands, different coloured shirts

Key Vocabulary

Long barrier

A fielding technique where you position your whole body behind the ball to prevent it going past you

Fielding

The team activity of stopping, catching and throwing the ball to prevent runs

Stumping

Putting the ball on the base before the runner arrives to get them out

Retrieving

Getting the ball and returning it quickly to the right place

Ground ball

A ball that is rolling or bouncing along the ground

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball rolling and catching skills
Understanding of batting and fielding roles
Experience of racing rounders games

Current Skills

Long barrier technique for ground balls
Accurate rolling between bases
Team fielding coordination

Next Steps

Catching high balls and throws
Advanced fielding positions
Game tactics and field placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent use of long barrier when ball approaches

Quick transition from stopping to throwing

Effective team communication during fielding

Key Teaching Points

Body positioning is crucial - always get behind the ball path for long barrier
Two hands are safer and more secure than one hand for scooping
Team communication is essential for effective fielding
Start with gentle rolls and build up speed gradually
Celebrate successful techniques even if the outcome isn't perfect
Long barrier is a safety technique - it's okay if hands miss the ball
Practice makes permanent - focus on correct technique over speed

Common Misconceptions

That fielding is less important than batting - emphasise both roles are equally crucial
That the long barrier is only for when you miss with your hands - explain it's a proactive safety technique
That throwing hard is always better - teach accuracy over power
That individual skill matters more than teamwork - reinforce cooperative elements
That mistakes mean failure - frame errors as learning opportunities

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use positive movement breaks

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for technique, use larger equipment, provide step-by-step visual guides, celebrate small improvements

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of lesson structure, allow quiet break space if needed, use consistent routines and language

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face when speaking

physical disability

Adapt to seated long barrier position, use larger balls for easier handling, modify distances and allow walking

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions to teammates, descriptive language for technique

Maths

Counting successful stops and team scores, measuring distances between bases, calculating team averages

Science

Forces and motion - how ball speed affects stopping difficulty, friction between ball and ground

Geography

Directional language and spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns around the pitch

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around perimeter for visibility of all groups, position behind fielding teams during games to observe technique

Observation Focus

Watch for consistent long barrier use, team communication, safe play and positive attitudes

Intervention Points

Step in when students not using correct technique, when games become too competitive, or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate at student eye level, use exaggerated movements for visibility, repeat key points multiple times

Verbal Cues

•'Body behind the ball!'
•'Two hands to scoop!'
•'Talk to your team!'
•'Roll accurately to your target!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m hall or outdoor area with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones, holes or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Use only soft rounders balls - no hard cricket balls
•Check cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Ensure adequate ball inflation for safe handling

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between students during running
•Ball strikes from hard throwing
•Knee injury from incorrect kneeling on hard surfaces
•Trips and falls during dynamic movement

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries between activity areas
•Enforce rolling only rule - no hard throwing
•Check for soft surface before kneeling activities
•Maintain adequate spacing during all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all activity areas
•Monitor game intensity to prevent over-competitiveness
•Watch for correct long barrier technique to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school first aider if needed