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Lesson 1 - Rounders: Batting & Fielding

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 accurate throwing and catching skills to win in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To understand the basic concepts of batting and fielding in rounders
To develop accurate underarm throwing and catching skills
To apply throwing and catching skills in a simple rounders game situation

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to explain the difference between batting and fielding
Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in underarm throwing to targets
Students will work effectively as a team to get batters out using accurate throwing

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around activity area perimeter for easy access

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties

Coloured Cones

25 (5 per group)

Set up in diamond shape with 'go' cone clearly marked

Alternative: Hoops, markers, or chalk circles

Hoops

5 (for target practice)

Positioned as targets at various distances

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Team bibs

30 (different colours for teams)

Organised by teams for quick distribution

Alternative: Coloured bands, team labels

Key Vocabulary

Batting

The team that hits the ball and tries to score runs by running around the bases

Fielding

The team that tries to get the batters out by catching and throwing the ball accurately

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below, releasing the ball upwards

Target

The area or person you are aiming to throw the ball to

Stumping

Touching the base with the ball to get a batter out

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills from KS1
Understanding of working in teams
Basic ball handling with two hands

Current Skills

Accurate underarm throwing to targets
Consistent catching with correct hand positioning
Understanding batting and fielding roles
Basic rounders game application

Next Steps

Striking with a rounders bat
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Running between bases strategically
Applying rules in competitive games

Milestone Indicators

Throws reach partner without bouncing

Catches 8 out of 10 throws consistently

Can explain why accurate throwing helps fielders win

Works cooperatively in team situations

Key Teaching Points

Underarm throwing technique requires step forward and pendulum arm swing
Accuracy is more important than power in rounders throwing
Fielding teams must work together like a chain to be successful
Both batting and fielding roles are equally important in rounders
Clear communication helps teams work more effectively
Consistent practice improves throwing and catching accuracy
Understanding game objectives helps students make better decisions

Common Misconceptions

Students may think overarm throwing is better - emphasise underarm accuracy for rounders
Some may focus only on power - stress that control and accuracy are more important
May not understand team roles - clearly demonstrate batting vs fielding objectives
Might think fielding is less important - show how good fielding wins games
Could rush throws in games - reinforce accuracy over speed
May not see connection between practice and games - explicitly link skills to game success

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear objectives, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement, clear boundaries and expectations

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, reduced complexity in movements, extra practice time, visual and verbal cues combined

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of lesson progression, quiet zones available if overwhelmed, consistent routines and expectations, prepare for activity changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of all actions, buddy system for guidance, tactile cones with different textures

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, clear hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards, face students when speaking

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching options, modified distances, use of ramps or adapted equipment, focus on technique rather than power

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful throws and catches, measuring distances between bases, understanding sequences in base running

Science

Forces in throwing - push and pull, trajectory of ball flight, body systems during exercise

Geography

Directions and spatial awareness during base running, mapping diamond shapes and positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and disappointment, including all team members

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during activities, position centrally for demonstrations and instructions, ensure clear sightlines to all students

Observation Focus

Watch for throwing technique development, assess understanding of game concepts, monitor teamwork and inclusion

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, support struggling students with technique, address misconceptions about rules

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, exaggerate movements for clarity, break down complex skills into simple steps, ensure all can see demonstrations clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Aim for the target!'
•'Underarm throw, step forward!'
•'Fielders work as a team!'
•'Accuracy first, speed second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m indoor hall or outdoor area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition with no splits
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•All equipment age-appropriate and fit for purpose

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running in Racing Rounders
•Ball strikes from inaccurate throws
•Slips and falls on wet surfaces
•Muscle strain from sudden movements

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around each diamond
•Adequate spacing between activity areas
•Controlled throwing pace and technique
•Proper warm-up and cool-down procedures
•Clear rules about running paths

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor throwing power and accuracy
•Watch for students not following running rules
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on safety concern, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, have clear access to medical assistance