Lesson 6 - Batting Technique Development
Foundation Skills & Team Play
•Year 3
•Rounders
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How can we develop consistent batting technique to strike a moving ball effectively?
Learning Objectives
- To develop correct batting stance and grip
- To improve eye-ball coordination when striking a moving ball
- To understand the key components of effective batting technique
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct sideways batting stance
- Students will show improved ball-striking consistency
- Students will apply batting technique in mini game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all rackets for damage, ensure correct grip size
Alternative: Rounders bats for extension, foam bats for support
Ensure balls are properly inflated and bouncy
Alternative: Foam balls for support, cricket balls for extension
Pre-position cones around teaching area perimeter
Alternative: Hoops, markers, or tape on ground
Place flat on ground for bowling positions
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or cone markers
Adjustable height tees preferred for different student heights
Alternative: Traffic cones, marker cones for ball placement
Key Vocabulary
Standing sideways to the bowler with feet shoulder-width apart
How to hold the bat firmly with dominant hand
Continuing the swing motion after hitting the ball
Keeping your eyes focused on the ball from bowler to bat
Bowling the ball with an underhand motion below shoulder height
The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic hand-eye coordination activities
- Simple catching and throwing skills
- Understanding of following instructions
Current Skills
- Correct batting stance and grip
- Eye tracking of moving balls
- Swing technique and follow-through
Next Steps
- Batting under pressure in game situations
- Tactical shot placement
- Advanced batting techniques and footwork
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Stand sideways to the bowler with left shoulder pointing towards them (right-handed batters)
- Hold the bat firmly but not tensely in the dominant hand
- Keep eyes focused on the ball from bowler's hand to contact with bat
- Pull the bat back behind the body in preparation for striking
- Swing horizontally through the ball like wiping glasses off a table
- Follow through with arm and shoulder towards the target area
- Bend knees and maintain balance throughout the batting motion
Common Misconceptions
- Standing square-on to the bowler instead of sideways - correct by emphasising shoulder position
- Looking up at where they want to hit instead of watching the ball - reinforce 'eyes on ball' constantly
- Swinging upwards instead of horizontally - use 'wiping table' analogy to correct
- Stopping the swing at contact - demonstrate and practice full follow-through
- Gripping bat too tightly causing tension - encourage 'firm but relaxed' grip
- Starting swing too early or too late - practice timing with stationary ball first
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries and expectations, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in initial activities, extra practice time, step-by-step visual guides
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual timetable of activities, quiet space available if needed, consistent language and instructions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and audible balls if available, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game rules
physical disability
- Seated batting version with tee, modified distances, adapted equipment such as larger balls or shorter bats
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Following complex instructions, explaining techniques to others, using technical vocabulary correctly
Maths
Counting batting scores, measuring distances between bases, calculating rounders scored, timing activities
Science
Understanding forces and motion in batting, trajectory of balls, body movement and coordination
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when batting is challenging, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between groups during activities, position centrally during instructions for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for correct batting stance, eye tracking, and safe equipment handling
Intervention Points
Step in immediately if safety issues arise, provide individual support for students struggling with technique
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show batting technique clearly, demonstrate from multiple angles for student visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Stand sideways!'
- •'Watch the ball!'
- •'Swing through!'
- •'Follow through to your target!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Level, dry surface suitable for running and ball bouncing
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis rackets for damaged strings or loose handles
- •Ensure tennis balls are appropriately inflated and not split
- •Cones positioned securely and visible to prevent tripping
- •Hoops laid flat to avoid rolling hazards
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between batters and other students
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Trips and falls when running bases
- •Racket contact between students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
- •Backstop positioned safely behind batter
- •Controlled bowling speed appropriate for age group
- •Emphasis on carrying bat safely when running
- •Clear base running paths marked
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for visibility of all groups during games
- •Monitor high-activity areas around batting zones
- •Check equipment sharing is safe and organised
- •Intervene if competitive spirit becomes unsafe
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if required