⚾

Lesson 8 - Tournament Play and Application

Foundation Skills & Team Play

•

Year 3

•

Rounders

•

Big Question

How can I apply all my rounders skills to play successfully in a tournament setting?

Learning Objectives

To apply rounders skills and tactics in competitive game situations
To demonstrate understanding of rules during tournament play
To evaluate personal performance and identify areas for improvement

Key Outcomes

Students will participate successfully in a rounders tournament
Students will demonstrate tactical awareness during matches
Students will assess their own and others' performances effectively

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

One bat per batting team, stored safely when not in use

Alternative: Tennis rackets for easier striking

Tennis Balls

3 (one per pitch)

One ball per pitch, spares available for lost balls

Alternative: Softer balls for beginner groups

Cones

24 (8 per pitch)

Different colours for each pitch - 4 bases plus bowling square markers

Alternative: Hoops or markers for base positions

Hoops

3 (one per pitch)

Mark bowling squares clearly with contrasting colours

Alternative: Large cones or markers

Tennis Rackets

For students needing easier striking option

Alternative: Shorter rounders bats

Tees

For students requiring static ball striking practice

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Scorecards

6 (one per team)

Pre-prepared with team names and innings columns

Alternative: Whiteboards and markers

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A series of competitive games where teams play against each other

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain advantage in the game

Caught out

When a fielder catches the ball before it touches the ground after being hit

Stumped out

When the bowler touches the base with the ball before the runner reaches it

Rounder

A complete score achieved by hitting the ball and running around all four bases

No ball

An unfair delivery from the bowler that results in advantage to the batting team

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic striking and fielding skills
Understanding of rounders field layout
Knowledge of basic rules and scoring
Experience with running between bases

Current Skills

Tournament play application
Tactical decision making under pressure
Advanced rule application
Performance evaluation skills

Next Steps

Advanced rounders strategies
Leadership roles in games
Umpiring and officiating skills
Cross-curricular applications

Milestone Indicators

Consistently follows rules without prompting

Makes tactical decisions based on game situation

Provides constructive feedback to teammates

Demonstrates fair play and sportsmanship

Key Teaching Points

Tournament play integrates all previously learned rounders skills in competitive setting
Tactical awareness develops through multiple games against different opponents
Rule application becomes automatic through repeated game situations
Sportsmanship and fair play are essential elements of tournament success
Self-reflection and peer recognition build positive learning community
Time management and efficient transitions maximise learning opportunities
Assessment occurs continuously through observation of game performance

Common Misconceptions

Tournament means only winning matters - emphasise learning and improvement over results
Rules can be bent in competitive situations - reinforce consistent rule application throughout
Only the best players should get opportunities - ensure all students get equal playing time
Tactics don't matter in primary school games - demonstrate how strategy improves performance
Individual performance is more important than teamwork - highlight collaborative success
Mistakes mean failure - frame errors as learning opportunities for improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular activity changes within tournament format, specific roles assigned for focus, frequent positive feedback during games

dyspraxia

Larger bats or tennis rackets available, simplified fielding positions, extra time for understanding tactical concepts

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explained in advance, quiet area available if overwhelmed, consistent rules application throughout

visual impairment

Bright coloured balls and equipment, verbal commentary of game situation, buddy system with sighted peer for field positioning

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game start/stop, written scorecard instructions, clear line of sight to teacher demonstrations

physical disability

Seated striking position option, modified running distances or wheelchair accessible bases, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team play, following complex instructions, expressing tactical thoughts and performance reflections

Maths

Tournament brackets and fixture planning, scoring systems and mathematical calculations, time management and division of playing periods

Science

Forces involved in striking and throwing, cardiovascular response to tournament intensity, physics of ball flight and bounce

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning on field, directions and movement patterns, mapping team movements and tactics

PSHE

Competitive sportsmanship and fair play, handling pressure in tournament situations, celebrating others' achievements and managing disappointment

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing clear view of all three tournament pitches, regular circulation between games

Observation Focus

Monitor rule application, tactical development, and safety throughout competitive play

Intervention Points

["Step in immediately for safety concerns", "Provide tactical hints if teams struggling", "Resolve rule disputes quickly and fairly", "Manage time efficiently to maximise playing opportunities"]

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Efficient changeovers between innings, proper scoring technique, tactical field positioning adjustments

Verbal Cues

•'Spread out fielders!'
•'Remember to run!'
•'Safe tags only!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or playground area minimum 40m x 30m to accommodate three separate pitches safely

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from obstacles, adequate run-off space around each pitch

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure tennis balls are not too hard or damaged
•Cones securely placed but not creating trip hazards
•Batting tees stable and appropriate height

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Bat handling accidents during changeovers
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between three pitches established
•Safe bat handling procedures demonstrated and enforced
•Controlled running emphasised over speed
•Adequate supervision of all three areas simultaneously

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all three pitches
•Regular movement between pitches during play
•Immediate response to any safety concerns
•Monitor excitement levels and maintain control

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, complete accident report if necessary