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Lesson 2 - Bowling and Backstop Skills

Tactical Gameplay Strategies

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Year 4

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can accurate bowling and quick fielding help your team get batters out in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate underarm bowling technique towards a target
To understand and practise the role of backstop in rounders
To learn how bowler and backstop work together to get batters out

Key Outcomes

Students will bowl underarm accurately through the batting square
Students will demonstrate effective backstop position and catching
Students will understand the importance of teamwork between fielding positions

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

12 (3 per group)

Store in equipment basket at each station

Alternative: Rounders balls, soft play balls

Cones

4 per group to mark batting and bowling squares

Alternative: Markers, chalk lines

Bases

1st base positioned 12 metres from batting square

Alternative: Cones, mats, chalk circles

Measuring Tapes

For accurate distance measurements between positions

Alternative: Pre-marked pitches

Bibs

To distinguish umpires and different roles

Alternative: Different coloured bands

Key Vocabulary

Bowling square

The area where the bowler must deliver the ball from

Batting square

The target area above batter's knee and below shoulder where ball must pass

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to catch the bowled ball

No ball

An unfair delivery that is too high, too low, or outside the batting square

Fair delivery

A ball bowled underarm that passes through the batting square correctly

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing to a target
Two-handed catching with a large ball
Understanding of simple game rules

Current Skills

Accurate underarm bowling through batting square
Quick backstop reactions and throwing
Understanding of fair and unfair bowling

Next Steps

Bowling under pressure with a batter running
Advanced fielding positions and roles
Game tactics and strategic thinking

Milestone Indicators

Consistent bowling accuracy (7/10 through batting square)

Quick ball retrieval and throw to base (under 3 seconds)

Correct umpiring decisions about fair bowling

Key Teaching Points

Underarm bowling technique with step forward and smooth arm swing
Backstop ready position with soft hands and good positioning
Quick, accurate throwing from backstop to base positions
Understanding of fair bowling rules and umpiring decisions
Teamwork and communication between fielding positions
Safety awareness during all throwing and catching activities
Progressive skill development from practice to game application

Common Misconceptions

Thinking any ball caught by backstop counts as fair - explain batting square boundaries clearly
Believing bowling faster makes it better - emphasise accuracy over power
Assuming backstop only catches - explain their role in getting batters out
Not understanding the umpire's role - show how decisions affect game outcome
Thinking individual skills are most important - emphasise teamwork in fielding

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, offer additional movement breaks

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter balls, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step visual guides for techniques

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, offer quiet area if overwhelmed, use visual schedules for role rotations

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for fair/no ball calls, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances, allow seated bowling/catching positions, use larger or lighter equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Speaking and listening during team communication, following instructions, giving feedback

Maths

Measuring distances between bases, counting points and scores, calculating success percentages

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, trajectory and gravity effects, reaction times

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, building resilience through practice

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing visual contact with all groups, move between groups to provide individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for correct underarm bowling technique, effective backstop positioning, and accurate throwing to bases

Intervention Points

Step in if students attempt overarm bowling, if safety standards drop, or if groups struggle with organisation

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate underarm bowling with exaggerated technique, show backstop position clearly, emphasise safety throughout

Verbal Cues

•'Step and swing!'
•'Soft hands, backstop!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Fair ball!' or 'No ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles, suitable for multiple throwing activities

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check balls are in good condition with no splits or damage
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bases are stable and clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from throwing activities
•Collisions between students moving in different directions
•Slips and falls during quick movements
•Overarm throwing instead of underarm

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries between group practice areas
•Emphasis on controlled underarm throwing only
•Adequate spacing between groups
•Clear sight lines for all throwing
•Regular reminders about safety awareness

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups simultaneously
•Monitor throwing technique to prevent overarm
•Watch for appropriate competitive intensity
•Check for fatigue during activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, apply appropriate first aid, inform school office if necessary