Lesson 3 - Striking and Tactical Hitting
Tactical Striking
•Year 3
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around playing areas, extras in storage bucket
Alternative: Tennis balls, bean bags for striking practice
Available at each playing station, different sizes if available
Alternative: Plastic cricket bats, short tennis rackets, wooden paddles
Placed left and right of batting position, 10-15 metres away
Alternative: Markers, spots, hoops as running targets
One colour per team for starter activity identification
Alternative: Team bands, coloured markers for identification
Key Vocabulary
To hit the ball with the bat or hand using a swinging motion
Smart decisions about where to hit the ball to score more runs
Players trying to catch or collect the ball to stop runs
The player who throws the ball underarm for the batter to hit
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
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