Lesson 5 - Throwing & Base Selection
Tactical Striking
•Year 3
•Rounders
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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
Distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls for safety
Set up in diamond formation for multiple games
Alternative: Hoops, mats, chalk marks
Placed at varying distances for throwing practice
Alternative: Different coloured cones, spot markers
Mark scoring lines for warm-up game
Alternative: Tall cones, poles with flags
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm is raised above shoulder height and brought down and forward
Standing with the non-throwing shoulder facing the target
Moving body weight from back foot to front foot during the throw
Choosing which base to throw to based on where the batter is running
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
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