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Lesson 6 - Racing Rounders Tournament

Fielding Mastery

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Year 3

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per team (6 total)

One ball per batting team, extras for backup

Alternative: Foam balls, rounders balls

Cones

24 (4 bases × 6 teams)

Different colours for each base position if possible

Alternative: Hoops, bases, bean bags

Bibs

6 different colours

Clearly distinguish teams during tournament

Alternative: House team colours, numbered bibs

Score Sheets

6 copies

One per team captain or designated scorer

Alternative: Whiteboard, clipboards

Stopwatch

For timing innings and managing game flow

Alternative: Phone timer, class timer

Key Vocabulary

Batting

The team trying to score points by hitting/throwing the ball and running around bases

Fielding

The team trying to prevent the other team from scoring by catching and throwing the ball

Long barrier

A technique to stop the ball using your body as a barrier with one knee down

Rounder

A point scored by running all the way around all four bases

Tournament

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

Consistent accurate throwing under pressure

Strategic thinking about ball placement

Effective team communication during games

Fair play and good sportsmanship throughout

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