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Lesson 3 - Striking and Tactical Hitting

Tactical Striking

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Year 3

•

Rounders

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use tactics to strike the ball away from fielders and score maximum runs?

Learning Objectives

Strike a bowled ball to hit a moving target with one hand and progress to using a bat
Apply simple tactics to choose where to hit the ball for maximum runs
Count and remember runs scored during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved striking technique with hand and bat
Students will show tactical awareness by hitting ball away from fielders
Students will accurately count and track runs scored in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Soft Dodgeballs

1 per 2 students (15)

Distributed around playing areas, extras in storage bucket

Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for striking practice

Rounders Equipment

1 per 4 students (8)

Available at each playing station, different sizes if available

Alternative: Plastic cricket bats, short tennis rackets, wooden paddles

Cones

4 per group (16 total)

Placed left and right of batting position, 10-15 metres away

Alternative: Markers, spots, hoops as running targets

Bibs

4 different colours (32 total)

One colour per team for starter activity identification

Alternative: Team bands, coloured markers for identification

Key Vocabulary

Strike

To hit the ball with the bat or hand using a swinging motion

Tactics

Smart decisions about where to hit the ball to score more runs

Fielders

Players trying to catch or collect the ball to stop runs

Bowler

The player who throws the ball underarm for the batter to hit

Runs

Points scored by running between cones after hitting the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination developed
Understanding of simple running and stopping
Experience with throwing and catching activities

Current Skills

One-handed striking technique
Tactical awareness of field placement
Run counting and scoring systems

Next Steps

Two-handed batting techniques
Advanced fielding positions and strategies
Complex scoring systems in modified games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent contact between bat and ball

Deliberate ball placement away from fielders

Accurate run counting without assistance

Key Teaching Points

Side-on stance provides better reach and power for striking
Keep eyes focused on ball throughout entire striking motion
Tactical thinking about ball placement develops game understanding
Progressive skill building from hand to bat increases confidence
Run counting develops mathematical skills in active context
Teamwork and role rotation ensures inclusive participation
Positive encouragement builds resilience and enjoyment

Common Misconceptions

Thinking power is more important than placement - emphasise tactical hitting
Believing that missing the ball means failure - frame as learning opportunity
Assuming fielders should stay in same positions - encourage tactical movement
Focusing only on individual success - highlight team elements and cooperation
Expecting immediate success with bat - emphasise progressive development from hand striking

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear movement breaks, visual reminders of key points, positive behaviour reinforcement system

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, reduced complexity in initial stages, extra practice time, simplified scoring system

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, predictable role rotation, quiet zone available if overwhelmed, consistent lesson structure

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written task cards available, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated batting options available, modified equipment (lighter bats, larger balls), adapted distances and targets

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs scored, comparing totals between attempts, basic addition in game contexts, understanding of distance and measurement

Science

Forces and motion in striking actions, understanding of angles and trajectory, body systems response to exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions (left/right), understanding of boundaries and areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with winning and losing, encouraging others, building resilience through practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between groups during activities, position centrally during demonstrations for visibility from all students

Observation Focus

Watch for striking technique development, tactical decision-making, run counting accuracy, and positive teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, support students struggling with technique, facilitate positive group dynamics

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Use student examples when possible, exaggerate technique points for visibility, show both correct and incorrect examples for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Eye on the ball all the way to your bat!'
•'Look for the gaps between fielders!'
•'Count your runs out loud so your team knows!'
•'Side-on stance gives you more power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple groups, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for damage before use
•Ensure soft balls only for striking practice
•Cones stable and visible for running targets
•Bibs clean and appropriate sizes

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Bat strikes to other students
•Ball strikes to face or body
•Slips and falls during running
•Collisions between running students

Risk Mitigation

•Adequate spacing between groups maintained
•Clear 'no swing' zones when others nearby
•Soft balls only throughout lesson
•Progressive skill building before game application
•Clear stop signals established and practiced

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor batting areas particularly closely
•Watch for appropriate behaviour during competitive activities
•Ensure equipment used safely throughout

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, appropriate first aid response, contact school first aid if needed