Lesson 4 - Ground Fielding Techniques
Team Performance Skills
•Year 4
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can I choose the right fielding technique to stop the ball and create effective sequences of movement?
Learning Objectives
- To develop ground fielding techniques using one and two-handed pickups
- To apply appropriate fielding techniques based on ball speed and direction
- To link fielding skills with throwing actions in game sequences
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate effective ground fielding using various techniques
- Students will select appropriate fielding methods for different ball speeds
- Students will perform smooth sequences from fielding to throwing in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft cricket balls
Set up two diamond shapes for game play
Alternative: Cones, hoops, or chalk circles
Used as targets for bowling practice
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
Mark boundaries and starting positions
Alternative: Markers or bean bags
Key Vocabulary
Collecting a ball that is rolling or bouncing along the ground
Fielding technique using one hand for balls rolling directly towards you
Fielding technique using both hands for more secure collection
Player positioned behind the batter to catch missed balls
An illegal delivery in rounders that gives the batter advantages
Linking multiple skills together in a smooth, continuous action
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and catching skills
- Understanding of overarm throwing technique
- Knowledge of basic rounders rules and positions
Current Skills
- One-handed and two-handed ground fielding techniques
- Smooth transitions from fielding to throwing
- Tactical awareness in fielding positions
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding under pressure situations
- Complex game strategies and team coordination
- Leadership roles in organising defensive plays
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Different fielding techniques are needed for different ball speeds and situations
- Smooth sequences from fielding to throwing are more effective than separate actions
- Body positioning is crucial for successful ground fielding
- Communication through the backstop prevents confusion in team situations
- Practice with both hands develops complete fielding ability
- Understanding rules enhances game enjoyment and fairness
- Teamwork and individual skills must work together in rounders
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking one fielding technique works for all situations - correct by showing technique variety
- Believing fielding and throwing are separate skills - emphasise flowing sequences
- Assuming only dominant hand is needed for fielding - practice ambidextrous skills
- Thinking louder communication is better - teach clear, specific instruction calling
- Believing speed is more important than technique - emphasise control over power
- Thinking rules don't matter in practice - connect skills to game application throughout
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger balls, reduced complexity, extra practice time, visual technique reminders
autism spectrum
- Clear routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for positioning, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written rule reminders
physical disability
- Seated fielding options, modified equipment, adapted throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Calculating runs scored, measuring distances between bases, angles of fielding positions
Science
Forces in throwing actions, friction between ball and ground, trajectory and momentum
Geography
Spatial awareness, mapping movement patterns, understanding directions and positions
PSHE
Teamwork skills, leadership development, resilience when facing challenges, fair play values
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activities and games to monitor all students, stand where whole area is visible
Observation Focus
Watch for correct fielding technique, skill sequence development, and team communication
Intervention Points
Step in when safety concerns arise, when students struggle with technique, or when rules confusion occurs
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show techniques clearly, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate
Verbal Cues
- •'Low body, palm to target!'
- •'Swoop and throw in one movement!'
- •'Backstop calls the plays!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m for two game areas, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, suitable for running and fielding
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check balls are in good condition with no cracks
- •Ensure bats have secure grips and no damage
- •Verify hoops and cones have no sharp edges
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes from throws or batted balls
- •Collisions between fielders
- •Slips and falls during fielding movements
- •Bat contact with other students
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing lanes established and maintained
- •Adequate spacing between activities and teams
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Constant awareness of ball location
- •Proper bat handling procedures
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of both game areas
- •Monitor high-activity areas like batting zones
- •Watch for fatigue affecting technique and safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop, assess, appropriate first aid/support, contact office if needed