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Lesson 4 - Batting Strategy and Placement

Tactical Gameplay Strategies

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Year 4

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

How can strategic batting placement help us score more rounders and outsmart the fielding team?

Learning Objectives

To develop strategic batting skills by identifying where and why to hit the ball
To understand the importance of hitting the ball forwards and into spaces
To apply batting techniques in game situations to score rounders effectively

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to hit the ball forwards with increasing accuracy
Students will demonstrate understanding of strategic ball placement
Students will apply batting skills to score points in modified rounders games

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

1 per group (8 total)

Check bats for damage, ensure appropriate size for Year 4 students

Alternative: Tennis rackets for easier hitting, cricket bats

Tennis Balls

2 per group (16 total)

Use brightly coloured balls for visibility

Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls for safety

Cones

32 (for bases and targets)

Use different colours for bases (red) and targets (yellow)

Alternative: Markers, hoops, bean bags

Markers

16 (4 per pitch)

Clearly mark all four bases in sequence

Alternative: Mats, hoops, chalk circles

Bibs

16 (2 colours)

Differentiate batting and fielding teams clearly

Alternative: Team bands, coloured shirts

Key Vocabulary

Batting

The action of hitting the ball with a rounders bat to score points

Fielding

The defensive team trying to stop the batting team from scoring

Rounder

A point scored by running around all four bases after hitting the ball forwards

Strategic placement

Deliberately hitting the ball to specific areas to maximise scoring chances

Forwards hit

Hitting the ball in front of the batting square towards the fielding area

Backstop

A fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm bowling technique
Understanding of rounders rules and scoring
Ability to catch and throw a ball accurately

Current Skills

Strategic batting placement
Reading the field to identify spaces
Hitting the ball forwards consistently

Next Steps

Advanced batting techniques including different shot types
Complex game tactics and team strategies
Fielding positioning and communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistent forward hitting with 70% success rate

Demonstrates understanding of why certain areas are targeted

Shows improvement in rounder scoring through strategic placement

Key Teaching Points

Strategic batting is about placement, not power - hitting smartly beats hitting hard
Forwards hits into empty spaces maximise scoring opportunities and time to run bases
Reading the field and identifying gaps between fielders is crucial for success
Double-rounder attempts require excellent forwards hits and quick decision-making
Teamwork in fielding prevents strategic batting success - communication is key
Understanding risk vs reward helps batters choose when to attempt double-rounders
Consistent technique leads to better strategic placement than wild swinging

Common Misconceptions

That hitting hard is more important than hitting accurately - emphasise placement over power
That any hit is equally good - explain why forwards hits into space are superior
That double-rounders should be attempted on every hit - teach strategic decision-making
That fielders can't prevent good batting - show how teamwork stops strategic batters
That backwards hits score the same as forwards hits - clarify scoring differences
That batting is just about individual skill - highlight tactical team elements

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity rotations, clear physical boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, specific roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment for easier handling, simplified batting technique, extra practice time for skill development, visual cues for base running

autism spectrum

Clear, consistent routines for equipment collection, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet spaces available if overwhelmed, predictable game rules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for navigation, audio cues for batting timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for game instructions, written strategy cards with key points, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated batting option using smaller bat, underarm rolling instead of bowling, shorter base distances, alternative scoring methods

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating scores and rounders, measuring distances between bases, angles of ball direction, data collection on successful hits

Science

Forces in batting (push, pull, impact), trajectory and flight paths of balls, physics of spin and ball movement

Geography

Directional language (forwards, backwards, left, right), spatial awareness of field layout, mapping base positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when struggling with new skills, fair play and sportsmanship, supporting others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Circulate between groups during practice, central position during explanations

Observation Focus

Watch for strategic thinking, batting technique improvement, and positive teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with strategy concept or safety issues arise

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate batting technique side-on to students, use exaggerated movements to show key points, involve students in demonstrations where safe

Verbal Cues

•'Look for the gaps!'
•'Think before you swing!'
•'Hit forwards into space!'
•'Great strategic thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m per group, clear of obstacles and walls

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from stones, holes or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate softness for Year 4
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Bat contact with other students
•Collisions while running bases
•Slips and falls during rapid direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce safe swing zones with adequate spacing
•Use soft balls appropriate for indoor/outdoor use
•Clear base-running paths with proper spacing
•Teach and enforce proper bat handling

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all batting areas
•Monitor student spacing during activities
•Watch for appropriate competitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal for immediate activity halt, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified