Lesson 1 - Rounders: Batting & Fielding
Fielding Mastery
•Year 3
•Rounders
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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
Distributed around activity area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students with catching difficulties
Set up in diamond shape with 'go' cone clearly marked
Alternative: Hoops, markers, or chalk circles
Positioned as targets at various distances
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Organised by teams for quick distribution
Alternative: Coloured bands, team labels
Key Vocabulary
The team that hits the ball and tries to score runs by running around the bases
The team that tries to get the batters out by catching and throwing the ball accurately
A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below, releasing the ball upwards
The area or person you are aiming to throw the ball to
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
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