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Lesson 1 - Throwing & Catching Skills

Game Intelligence Development

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Year 4

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

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

Rounders Equipment

20-30

Check all bats for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis rackets, cricket bats, or padded sticks

Hoops

8-12

Various sizes for different target zones

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Cones

Use to mark zones, boundaries and bases

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Balls

30-40

For starter activity collection game

Alternative: Small balls or foam objects

Key Vocabulary

Underarm bowling

A bowling action where the ball is released below shoulder height with an upward swing

Zone targeting

Deliberately hitting or throwing the ball into specific marked areas to gain advantage

Backstop

A fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls

Ready position

Balanced stance with feet shoulder-width apart, knees bent, eyes focused on ball

Follow through

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

Consistent accuracy in throwing to targets from 5 metres

Catching success rate of 7/10 attempts

Hitting 6/10 bowled balls into intended zones

Accurate score-keeping throughout activities

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