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Lesson 7 - Team Batting in Rounders

Foundation Skills & Team Play

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Year 3

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Rounders

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Big Question

How do batters work together as a team to score the most rounders?

Learning Objectives

To learn to bat in a team situation
To understand team batting tactics and when to run or wait
To apply rules consistently in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of team batting by making tactical decisions about when to run
Students will work cooperatively as batting teammates without overtaking or causing outs
Students will apply rounders rules consistently in small-sided games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

14 per group for 4 groups

Arranged as bases and boundaries for each playing area

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, or chalk circles

Hoops

7 (1 per group plus spares)

Used as bowling areas in each group

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Rounders Equipment

7 (1 per group plus spares)

Check all bats for damage before use

Alternative: Cricket bats or tennis rackets

Tennis Rackets

7 (alternatives for differentiation)

Available for students needing easier batting option

Alternative: Smaller rounders bats or foam paddles

Tennis Balls

7 (1 per group)

Soft balls recommended for safety

Alternative: Foam balls or rounders balls

Tees

3-4

For students needing additional batting support

Alternative: Traffic cones with ball balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Team batting

When multiple batters work together to score rounders, taking turns and supporting each other

Overtaking

When a batter runs past another batter who started earlier - this is not allowed in rounders

Base occupation

Only one batter can be at each base at a time

Tactical running

Making smart decisions about when to run to the next base and when to stay put

Backstop

The fielder who stands behind the batter to collect balls that aren't hit

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic batting technique with a rounders bat
Understanding of running between bases
Knowledge of basic rounders scoring system

Current Skills

Team batting coordination and communication
Tactical decision-making when running between bases
Understanding rules about overtaking and base occupation

Next Steps

Advanced team batting strategies
Fielding team coordination and communication
Full game situations with multiple innings

Milestone Indicators

Students consistently avoid overtaking teammates

Batting teams score more rounders through better coordination

Students can explain when to run and when to wait at bases

Key Teaching Points

Team batting requires communication and tactical awareness, not just individual skill
Base occupation rules prevent conflicts and teach fairness - only one batter per base
Looking ahead before running is crucial for successful team batting coordination
Carrying the bat safely during base running is a non-negotiable safety requirement
Running even when missing the ball teaches commitment and creates tactical opportunities
Team totals matter more than individual achievements in rounders
Good tactical decisions involve assessing field positions and teammate locations

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking faster runners should always overtake slower teammates - explain why this creates unfair outs
Belief that only hit balls count - emphasise running on all balls creates tactical pressure on fielders
Individual focus over team success - consistently redirect attention to team totals and cooperation
Fear of making mistakes leading to over-cautious play - encourage smart risk-taking and learning from decisions
Thinking fielding team should stay still - begin introducing idea that fielders must also work as a team

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with regular position changes, provide clear, simple instructions one at a time, offer leadership roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Allow use of batting tees for more successful batting, provide extra practice time with base running routes, use larger equipment for easier handling

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine for activity transitions, use visual schedule for lesson sequence, offer quiet zone for sensory breaks if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, pair with sighted buddy for base running guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game management, provide written rule cards, ensure face-to-face communication for important instructions

physical disability

Modify base distances for wheelchair users, allow seated batting position, use larger/lighter bats as needed, adapt running rules for mobility aids

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening during tactical discussions, following and giving instructions during gameplay, vocabulary development with technical rounders terms

Maths

Counting rounders and half-rounders to calculate team totals, measuring distances between bases, understanding fractions with half-rounder scoring system

Science

Understanding forces when hitting ball with bat, observing motion and direction changes during base running, recognising physical changes during exercise and recovery

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in batting groups, communication skills for tactical decisions, resilience when making mistakes, leadership opportunities for advanced students

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of playing area during mini rounders to observe multiple groups, move between groups during 4v4 games to provide coaching and ensure safety

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical communication between batters, safe bat carrying during base running, application of overtaking and base occupation rules, positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in if safety rules are not followed, provide additional coaching for groups struggling with team coordination, mediate any rule disputes that arise during gameplay

Demonstration Notes

Use students as volunteers for rule demonstrations, exaggerate movements to show safe bat carrying, demonstrate vocal communication clearly for all to hear, model positive encouragement and team-focused language throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Look ahead before running!'
•'Carry that bat safely!'
•'Communicate with your teammates!'
•'Remember - no overtaking!'
•'Work together as a batting team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 25m for two simultaneous 4v4 games, clear of obstacles and with adequate run-off areas

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, appropriate for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness (tennis balls recommended)
•Verify cones are clearly visible and securely placed
•Position hoops securely to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bat-related injuries from improper carrying or dropping
•Collisions between players running to same base
•Ball strikes to head or body from batting or throwing
•Falls during quick direction changes around bases

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce bat carrying rules consistently throughout lesson
•Maintain 4m safety distance for waiting batters
•Use soft balls appropriate for age group
•Clear base occupation rules prevent collision conflicts
•Adequate spacing between simultaneous games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during simultaneous activities
•Monitor high-risk areas like batting squares and base convergence points
•Circulate between groups during extended gameplay
•Maintain visual contact with all students throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are supervised and safe during any emergency response