Lesson 2 - Bowling and Backstop Skills
Tactical Gameplay Strategies
•Year 4
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Store in equipment basket at each station
Alternative: Rounders balls, soft play balls
4 per group to mark batting and bowling squares
Alternative: Markers, chalk lines
1st base positioned 12 metres from batting square
Alternative: Cones, mats, chalk circles
For accurate distance measurements between positions
Alternative: Pre-marked pitches
To distinguish umpires and different roles
Alternative: Different coloured bands
Key Vocabulary
The area where the bowler must deliver the ball from
The target area above batter's knee and below shoulder where ball must pass
The fielder positioned behind the batter to catch the bowled ball
An unfair delivery that is too high, too low, or outside the batting square
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
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