Lesson 6 - Racing Rounders Tournament
Fielding Mastery
•Year 3
•Rounders
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How can we use our striking and fielding skills to work as a team and win our tournament games?
Learning Objectives
- To apply striking and fielding skills in competitive team games
- To understand and demonstrate different roles in batting and fielding teams
- To work collaboratively to keep score and resolve disagreements fairly
Key Outcomes
- Students will participate in organised rounders tournament games using learned skills
- Students will demonstrate understanding of batting and fielding tactics
- Students will show good sportsmanship and teamwork throughout competition
Equipment & Resources Required
One ball per batting team, extras for backup
Alternative: Foam balls, rounders balls
Different colours for each base position if possible
Alternative: Hoops, bases, bean bags
Clearly distinguish teams during tournament
Alternative: House team colours, numbered bibs
One per team captain or designated scorer
Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboards
For timing innings and managing game flow
Alternative: Phone timer, class timer
Key Vocabulary
The team trying to score points by hitting/throwing the ball and running around bases
The team trying to prevent the other team from scoring by catching and throwing the ball
A technique to stop the ball using your body as a barrier with one knee down
A point scored by running all the way around all four bases
A competition where teams play against each other to find the winner
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Understanding of rounders bases and field positions
- Simple catching and retrieving skills
- Basic game rules and safety awareness
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing for distance and accuracy
- Strategic ball placement when batting
- Team communication and tactical awareness
- Tournament competition experience
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding positions and strategies
- Bowling techniques in rounders
- Complex tactical decision-making
- Leadership roles in competitive games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Tournament games bring together all skills learned throughout the rounders unit
- Overarm throwing technique is crucial for batting success - step forward and follow through
- Fielding teams must work together and communicate to get the ball through all bases quickly
- Good sportsmanship and teamwork are just as important as individual skill performance
- Strategic thinking about ball placement and field positioning makes a real difference to success
- Every student contributes to team success whether batting, fielding, or supporting teammates
- Competition should be exciting and challenging while remaining fair and inclusive for all
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking you can stop at any base instead of running all the way around - emphasise completing the full circuit
- Believing fielders can throw directly to base 4 - reinforce the sequential passing rule through bases 1-2-3-4
- Assuming stronger throwers always win - highlight the importance of tactics, teamwork, and consistency
- Thinking batting is more important than fielding - show how good fielding can keep scores low and win games
- Believing arguments and conflicts are normal in competition - model and expect good sportsmanship throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter game periods with frequent breaks, provide specific roles to maintain focus, celebrate effort frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger/softer balls for easier handling, reduce field size, allow extra time for skill execution, provide step-by-step reminders
autism spectrum
- Provide clear game structure and routine, offer quiet zone for breaks, use visual schedule showing game phases
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide buddy system, give clear verbal descriptions of field layout and game progress
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game start/stop, ensure demonstrations are clearly visible, provide written game rules sheet
physical disability
- Allow underarm throwing instead of overarm, reduce running distances, provide alternative scoring roles like scorekeeping
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting team scores, calculating totals, measuring distances between bases, timing game duration
Science
Understanding forces in throwing, friction when running, body systems during exercise
Geography
Spatial awareness on field, understanding directions and positions, mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork skills, managing competition emotions, resolving conflicts, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously between the three tournament pitches, spending approximately equal time observing each game
Observation Focus
Watch for skill development, teamwork, sportsmanship, and safety throughout the games
Intervention Points
Step in if rules disputes arise, if unsafe play occurs, or if teams need tactical guidance
Demonstration Notes
Be ready to demonstrate techniques during natural breaks in games - don't interrupt active play
Verbal Cues
- •'Great overarm throw!' to reinforce technique
- •'Excellent teamwork!' when you see good communication
- •'Remember to aim away from the fielders!' for tactical advice
- •'Well caught!' to celebrate fielding successes
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 60m x 40m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
- •Ensure cones are stable and not cracked
- •Verify bibs/bands are not torn and pose no safety risk
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between runners and fielders
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Overexertion during competitive games
- •Slips and falls when running between bases
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear safety lines established for waiting batters
- •Adequate spacing between tournament pitches (minimum 10m)
- •Emphasis on controlled running without barging
- •Regular hydration breaks during tournament
- •Clear boundaries marked to prevent collisions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all three pitches
- •Monitor high-activity areas around bases
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
- •Ensure fair play and good sportsmanship maintained
Emergency Procedures
Stop all games immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed