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Lesson 6 - Batting Technique Development

Foundation Skills & Team Play

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Year 3

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Rounders

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Big Question

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

Tennis Rackets

15 (1 per student)

Check all rackets for damage, ensure correct grip size

Alternative: Rounders bats for extension, foam bats for support

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Ensure balls are properly inflated and bouncy

Alternative: Foam balls for support, cricket balls for extension

Cones

49 (for bases and boundaries)

Pre-position cones around teaching area perimeter

Alternative: Hoops, markers, or tape on ground

Hoops

7 (for bowling circles)

Place flat on ground for bowling positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or cone markers

Tees

8 (optional for support)

Adjustable height tees preferred for different student heights

Alternative: Traffic cones, marker cones for ball placement

Key Vocabulary

Batting stance

Standing sideways to the bowler with feet shoulder-width apart

Grip

How to hold the bat firmly with dominant hand

Follow-through

Continuing the swing motion after hitting the ball

Eye tracking

Keeping your eyes focused on the ball from bowler to bat

Underarm bowling

Bowling the ball with an underhand motion below shoulder height

Backstop

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

Consistent sideways stance without prompting

Successful contact with 3 out of 5 bowled balls

Natural follow-through movement towards target

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