⚾

Lesson 5 - Throwing & Base Selection

Tactical Striking

•

Year 3

•

Rounders

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we use powerful, accurate throws to prevent batters from scoring runs?

Learning Objectives

Develop overarm throwing technique for longer distances
Make tactical decisions about which base to throw to
Apply throwing skills effectively in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique over longer distances
Students will select appropriate bases to throw to based on game scenarios
Students will work effectively as a team in fielding situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

6-8

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety

Markers Cones

Set up in diamond formation for multiple games

Alternative: Hoops, mats, chalk marks

Sun Markers

12-15

Placed at varying distances for throwing practice

Alternative: Different coloured cones, spot markers

Dish Cones

4-6

Mark scoring lines for warm-up game

Alternative: Tall cones, poles with flags

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm is raised above shoulder height and brought down and forward

Side-on stance

Standing with the non-throwing shoulder facing the target

Weight transfer

Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw

Base selection

Choosing which base to throw to based on where the batter is running

Cut off

Throwing to a base to prevent a batter from reaching it safely

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Understanding of rounders base layout
Experience of simple catching and fielding

Current Skills

Overarm throwing technique development
Tactical decision making for base selection
Game application under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and responsibilities
Complex game strategies and team coordination
Competitive rounders with full rules

Milestone Indicators

Consistent side-on stance with non-throwing arm pointing at target

Smooth weight transfer from back foot to front foot

Accurate throws reaching intended base before batter

Key Teaching Points

Overarm throwing requires side-on stance with non-throwing arm pointing at target
Weight transfer from back foot to front foot creates power and accuracy
Eyes must stay on target throughout entire throwing motion
Quick decision making about base selection prevents batters from scoring
Communication between fielders is essential for effective team play
Technique consistency more important than maximum power
Practice pickup and release speed in game-like conditions

Common Misconceptions

Thinking you need maximum power for all throws - accuracy often more important
Believing overarm is always better than underarm - each has appropriate uses
Assuming you should always throw to first base - tactical decisions depend on game situation
Thinking technique doesn't matter under pressure - good technique becomes more important
Believing throwing hard equals throwing well - control and accuracy are key

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with clear boundaries, regular movement breaks, immediate feedback, simplified instructions

dyspraxia

Larger equipment for easier handling, slower demonstrations, extra practice time, simplified movement patterns

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, designated quiet zones, consistent equipment placement

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for guidance, audio cues for base locations

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, clear visual boundaries

physical disability

Seated throwing practice, modified distances, alternative equipment (larger/lighter balls), adapted batting positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring throwing distances, calculating angles of trajectory, counting runs and scores, estimating time to reach bases

Science

Forces in throwing (push, pull, gravity), trajectory and motion, body systems during exercise, levers in arm movement

Geography

Directions and compass points for field positions, mapping movement around bases, spatial awareness

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, leadership skills, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to observe all students, position at corner for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct overarm technique, appropriate base selection decisions, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for safety concerns, technique errors that could cause injury, or persistent rule violations

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques clearly with exaggerated movements for visibility, use students as positive examples where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Side on, arm back, step through!'
•'Eyes on target throughout!'
•'Which base is the batter running to?'
•'Communicate with your team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor space or large sports hall for multiple games

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are in good condition with no splits
•Ensure bats have no cracks or splinters
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Slips and falls during running
•Bat contact with other students

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established around all activities
•Adequate spacing between multiple games
•Emphasis on controlled throwing rather than maximum power
•Soft balls used for less confident students
•Clear rules about bat handling and storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor high-activity areas around bases
•Watch for students retrieving overthrown balls

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, arrange further medical support if needed