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Lesson 6 - Rounders Tournament - Level 1

Tactical Gameplay Strategies

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Year 4

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can we combine our striking and fielding skills to play a competitive rounders tournament?

Learning Objectives

To apply striking and fielding skills in competitive game situations
To understand tactical decisions in batting and fielding positions
To demonstrate good sportsmanship and teamwork during tournament play

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully compete in a rounders tournament using appropriate tactics
Students will make tactical decisions about when to run for rounders
Students will work collaboratively to support teammates in batting and fielding roles

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

4-6 bats

Have spare balls ready for each playing area

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety

Cones

16 cones (4 per game)

Set up 4 bases in diamond formation, approximately 8-10 metres apart

Alternative: Posts, hoops, or markers

Sun Markers

20-30 cones

Mark clear boundaries for each playing area

Alternative: Rope or painted lines

Score Sheets

1 per team

Prepare simple score tracking sheets for tournament results

Alternative: Whiteboard or verbal scoring

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

Ensure clear team identification for tournament games

Alternative: Team bands or verbal team identification

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple games to determine a winner

Rounder

A complete run around all four bases to score one point

Tactical decision

Choosing the best strategy based on the game situation

Overarm throw

Throwing technique where arm goes over shoulder for distance and power

Back-up

Supporting a teammate by positioning behind them to collect missed balls

Stumping

Touching the base with the ball to get a runner out

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of rounders bases and basic rules
Experience with striking a ball forwards

Current Skills

Tournament play combining all rounders skills
Tactical decision-making in game situations
Advanced throwing techniques for different distances

Next Steps

Official rounders rules and regulations
Advanced batting techniques and placement
Complex fielding strategies and team coordination

Milestone Indicators

Students can play a full game with minimal teacher intervention

Teams demonstrate clear tactics and communicate effectively

Students can officiate and score games independently

Key Teaching Points

Tactical decision-making about when to attempt full rounders vs safe single base runs
Importance of backing up teammates in fielding positions
Maintaining technique quality under competitive pressure
Good sportsmanship and positive team communication throughout tournament
Strategic ball placement away from fielders to maximise scoring opportunities
Efficient team organisation and role understanding during competitive play
Combining individual skills into effective team performance

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that hitting the ball as hard as possible is always the best strategy - emphasise placement over power
Believing that only batting performance matters for team success - highlight importance of fielding excellence
Assuming competitive play means abandoning good sportsmanship - reinforce that best competitors show respect
Thinking one poor performance ruins entire tournament - emphasise learning and improvement throughout
Believing that winning is only about individual talent - stress teamwork and collective effort
Assuming tournament pressure means ignoring safety - maintain safe play standards throughout competition

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Frequent activity changes within tournament format, clear role definitions, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter equipment for easier handling, simplified scoring system, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of tournament structure, quiet area available for breaks, consistent routines for team changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, provide verbal commentary of game progress, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game starts/stops, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, written rule cards available

physical disability

Modified striking from seated position if needed, shorter distances between bases, lightweight equipment options

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication during team discussions, following complex instructions, descriptive language for tactical discussions

Maths

Scoring and statistics, distances and angles for strategic ball placement, timing and measurement in tournament organisation

Science

Forces in striking and throwing, trajectory and movement, energy systems during sustained physical activity

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, respect for others and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Rotate between playing areas to observe all teams, position centrally to oversee tournament progress

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, skill application under pressure, and positive team dynamics

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify rules disputes, encourage good sportsmanship, provide tactical guidance when teams struggle

Demonstration Notes

Use positive examples from student play to demonstrate good technique and tactical awareness, highlight exceptional sportsmanship as it occurs

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball all the way into your hands!'
•'Think about where the fielders are before you hit!'
•'Back up your teammate!'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area or sports hall with minimum 40m x 30m for multiple playing areas

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards with adequate run-off space around boundaries

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate firmness for age group
•Verify cones are stable and have no sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between players during base running
•Bat-related injuries during striking
•Falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety lines for waiting batters away from playing area
•Adequate spacing between multiple playing areas
•Emphasis on controlled batting technique
•Clear rules about safe base running and overtaking

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple games simultaneously
•Monitor batting area for safe technique
•Watch for appropriate competitive behaviour
•Ensure hydration breaks during extended play

Emergency Procedures

Stop all games immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, have emergency contact information readily available