Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills
Game Intelligence Development
•Year 4
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use accurate throwing, catching and directed hitting to outsmart our opponents in rounders?
Learning Objectives
- Throw and catch the ball with increasing accuracy using appropriate technique
- Hit the ball into specific zones to score points tactically
- Work individually to keep accurate score and track personal performance
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved throwing and catching accuracy
- Students will successfully direct hits into target zones
- Students will maintain accurate personal and team scores
Equipment & Resources Required
Check all bats for damage before use
Alternative: Tennis rackets, cricket bats, or padded sticks
Various sizes for different target zones
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Use to mark zones, boundaries and bases
Alternative: Bean bags or markers
For starter activity collection game
Alternative: Small balls or foam objects
Key Vocabulary
A bowling action where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward swing
Deliberately hitting or throwing the ball into specific marked areas to gain advantage
A fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls
Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, eyes focused on ball
Continuing the batting motion after hitting the ball towards the target zone
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic underarm throwing technique
- Simple catching with two hands
- Holding a bat correctly
- Understanding of simple scoring systems
Current Skills
- Accurate directional throwing
- Catching balls at various heights
- Hitting moving balls into zones
- Strategic thinking about shot placement
Next Steps
- Overarm bowling technique
- Running between bases strategically
- Team tactics and communication
- Advanced batting techniques
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Single-handed bat grip with relaxed but firm hold
- Sideways batting stance with feet shoulder-width apart
- Eyes track the ball from bowler to bat contact point
- Smooth follow-through directing bat towards target zone
- Underarm bowling with pendulum action at appropriate speed
- Zone targeting requires tactical thinking about field positions
- Teamwork and communication essential in fielding situations
Common Misconceptions
- Believing that hitting harder always scores more points - correct with emphasis on accuracy and placement
- Thinking two-handed grip is better for control - demonstrate why single-handed grip allows better wrist action
- Assuming fielders should spread out randomly - teach strategic positioning based on batter tendencies
- Believing bowling fast makes it harder to hit - explain that consistent, hittable balls create better practice
- Thinking only the winning team played well - emphasise personal improvement and skill development
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, movement breaks built in, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, extra practice time, larger equipment, reduced complexity in multi-step activities
autism spectrum
- Clear routines and expectations, visual schedules of activities, quiet zones available, consistent rules and procedures
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of zones and targets, use sound cues for ball location, assign sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for start/stop, visual cues for zone targets, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapted batting techniques including seated versions, modified throwing distances, larger target zones, alternative scoring methods
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Scoring systems, counting points, measuring distances to zones, angles of ball flight, data collection of success rates
Science
Forces in hitting and throwing, trajectory and momentum, body movement and coordination, cause and effect in ball direction
Geography
Directional language (left, right, forward, back), spatial awareness, mapping of playing areas and zone layouts
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, encouraging others, following rules and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter to observe all groups, position to see ball flight and player safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique development, safe practices, and positive interactions
Intervention Points
Step in for safety issues, technique corrections, or group management problems
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique demonstration, involve students in showing good examples, demonstrate common mistakes to avoid
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Smooth swing through!'
- •'Hit and follow through!'
- •'Safe collection on my signal!'
- •'Well done, that's good technique!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m clear area with additional space behind target zones
Surface Check
Dry, level surface free from holes, debris or slippery areas
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check all bats for cracks, splinters or loose handles before use
- •Ensure balls are properly inflated and not damaged
- •Verify cones and markers are stable and visible
- •Confirm hoops are lying flat and secure
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body from hitting or throwing
- •Collisions between students during running activities
- •Trips and falls on uneven surfaces
- •Bat strikes during swing or when carrying equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •All groups hit in same direction to prevent cross-hitting
- •Clear boundaries established between activity areas
- •Stop signals practiced and enforced for ball collection
- •Adequate spacing maintained between all participants
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe multiple groups simultaneously
- •Move regularly to monitor different activity areas
- •Maintain clear sight lines to all participants
- •Stay alert during ball collection and equipment transitions
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if trained, send for help if needed, complete incident report