⚾

Lesson 6 - Batting Technique Development

Skill Foundations in Rounders

•

Year 4

•

Rounders

•

Big Question

How can I develop my batting technique to consistently strike a moving ball and score rounders?

Learning Objectives

To develop correct batting stance and grip technique
To improve ability to strike a moving ball consistently
To apply batting skills in modified game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct batting stance in practice
Students will successfully strike at least 3 out of 5 bowled balls
Students will apply batting technique in mini rounders games

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use for bases, boundaries, and batting squares

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or playground chalk lines

Hoops

Position one behind each batting area for bowler's collection point

Alternative: Cones arranged in circles, or marked areas on ground

Tennis Balls

Ensure balls are in good condition and visible colour

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, or rounders balls for advanced students

Tennis Rackets

Check all rackets for damage and appropriate grip size

Alternative: Rounders bats for extension, or foam bats for support

Tees

5-8

Set at appropriate height for different students' needs

Alternative: Adjustable cones or improvised stands

Markers

5-8

Reserve for confident students or extension activities

Alternative: Larger tennis rackets or cricket bats

Key Vocabulary

Batting stance

The sideways position a batter takes before attempting to hit the ball

Follow-through

Continuing the batting swing after striking the ball to generate power and direction

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls

Good ball

A ball bowled between the batter's shoulder and knee height that they can reasonably attempt to hit

Rounder

A point scored by successfully hitting the ball and running around all bases

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of underarm bowling technique
Experience holding and controlling a racket or bat
Knowledge of basic rounders rules and positions

Current Skills

Correct batting stance and grip
Eye tracking and timing of moving ball
Coordinated swing and follow-through technique

Next Steps

Developing power and direction in batting
Advanced batting strategies and placement
Consistency under game pressure

Milestone Indicators

Maintains sideways stance without prompting

Eyes consistently track ball from bowler's hand

Demonstrates smooth swing with full follow-through

Strikes ball with increasing frequency and confidence

Key Teaching Points

Maintain sideways batting stance with feet shoulder-width apart throughout the lesson
Emphasise continuous eye tracking of the ball from bowler's hand to point of contact
Develop smooth, level swing with complete follow-through and shoulder rotation
Focus on making contact with the ball rather than hitting for power or distance
Build confidence through progressive skill development and positive reinforcement
Apply technique consistently under game pressure in mini rounders situations
Promote cooperation, fair play and mutual encouragement throughout all activities

Common Misconceptions

Students think they must hit the ball hard for success - emphasise contact and technique over power
Standing facing the bowler instead of sideways - physically guide to correct position
Looking away from ball too early to see where it goes - stress tracking through contact
Believing they're not good at batting after a few misses - focus on improvement and effort
Thinking rounders is only about batting - explain importance of all roles and teamwork

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, provide frequent positive feedback, allow movement breaks, use clear visual boundaries

dyspraxia

Break skills into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, use larger equipment, offer hand-over-hand guidance for technique

autism spectrum

Provide clear, consistent routines for activity changes, use visual schedules, offer quiet zones if needed, maintain predictable group compositions

visual impairment

Use bright yellow tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, use buddy system for guidance, establish clear audio signals

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and clear hand signals, provide written instruction cards, use gestures for coaching points

physical disability

Provide batting tees for static hitting, allow seated batting position, use larger/lighter equipment, modify base running distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using technical vocabulary correctly, explaining technique to others, listening and responding appropriately

Maths

Counting successful hits out of five attempts, calculating percentages, measuring distances for court setup, tracking scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, angles of bat and ball trajectory, reaction time and hand-eye coordination, momentum and follow-through

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with disappointment positively, encouraging others, building resilience through practice and improvement

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move actively around perimeter of activity area to observe all groups, position centrally during whole-class instruction

Observation Focus

Watch for batting technique development, safe equipment use, positive group dynamics, and individual confidence building

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, group dynamics become negative, or students show signs of frustration or giving up

Demonstration Notes

Use student volunteers to demonstrate good technique, provide positive examples, show common mistakes and corrections clearly

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball from hand to racket!'
•'Sideways stance, shoulder to the bowler!'
•'Smooth swing like wiping a table!'
•'Follow through and point your shoulder where you want the ball to go!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles and other activities

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all rackets for damage, loose strings, or broken handles before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and appropriate pressure
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Position hoops flat on ground to prevent tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from wild swings or throws
•Collisions between students during base running
•Trips and falls during dynamic movement
•Equipment-related injuries from damaged rackets

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear boundaries and adequate spacing between groups
•Emphasise controlled swings rather than power hitting
•Teach safe base running around, not through, bases
•Regular equipment checks and immediate removal of damaged items
•Clear communication protocols within groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
•Circulate actively during skill practice to provide immediate feedback
•Monitor group dynamics for signs of frustration or conflict
•Watch for students abandoning safe technique for power

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately with clear signal, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, ensure other students remain safely positioned