Lesson 5 - High Catching and Leadership Skills
Team Performance Skills
•Year 4
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we demonstrate leadership and communication skills while mastering high catching techniques in rounders?
Learning Objectives
- To catch high balls comfortably using correct technique
- To demonstrate backpedalling skills to catch balls over head
- To show leadership skills and effective communication during game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will confidently catch high balls at eye level with soft hands
- Students will successfully backpedal to position themselves under high catches
- Students will demonstrate clear communication and leadership during team activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Have extras available as balls may go astray during high catching practice
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft cricket balls
Mark boundaries and catching practice areas
Alternative: Markers or spots
Two different colours for team identification
Alternative: Team bands or different coloured tops
Key Vocabulary
Catching a ball that comes above head height
Moving backwards quickly while keeping eyes on the ball
Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball
The optimal height to catch a ball, roughly at the height of your eyes
Taking responsibility and helping others perform better
The fielder positioned behind the batter to stop missed balls
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic catching with two hands
- Understanding of rounders equipment and basic rules
- Ability to throw accurately over short distances
- Experience working in pairs and small groups
Current Skills
- High ball catching at eye level
- Backpedalling movement technique
- Communication and calling during catches
- Leadership skills in team situations
Next Steps
- Catching under pressure in competitive situations
- Advanced fielding positions and responsibilities
- Strategic placement of fielders
- Umpiring and officiating skills
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- High catches should be taken at eye level with hands in W shape for optimal vision and control
- Clear communication through calling prevents collisions and demonstrates good leadership
- Backpedalling requires small, quick steps while maintaining balance and eye contact with ball
- Leadership in sport means taking responsibility, encouraging others, and helping the team improve
- Soft hands cushion the ball on contact - relaxed catching is more effective than tense catching
- Only one person (backstop) should call instructions during games to avoid confusion
- Practice technique slowly first, then add speed and pressure gradually for skill development
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking that catching harder with tense hands is more secure - actually causes more drops
- Believing that louder instructions are always better - clarity and designated callers are more important
- Assuming leadership means being the loudest or most dominant - effective leadership is supportive and encouraging
- Thinking backpedalling means taking big steps backwards - small, quick steps maintain better balance
- Believing high catches should be taken above the head - eye level provides better control and vision
- Assuming that mistakes mean you're not a good leader - leaders help others learn from mistakes
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent activity changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks built in, specific leadership tasks to maintain focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns initially, larger equipment for confidence, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet retreat space available, consistent partner pairings
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, audio cues for timing
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for instructions, demonstration-heavy teaching, written key points on board, use of hand signals during games
physical disability
- Modified catching positions (seated options), larger/softer balls, reduced throwing distances, alternative leadership roles
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Clear verbal communication, giving instructions, active listening skills, describing technique and tactics
Maths
Counting catches in sequences, calculating team scores, measuring distances for throwing practice, understanding angles of ball flight
Science
Forces in throwing and catching, gravity affecting ball flight, balance and coordination in movement, reaction time and reflexes
PSHE
Leadership qualities and responsibilities, communication skills, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central position during demonstrations, move between groups during practice, maintain overview during games
Observation Focus
Watch for correct hand positioning, safe movement patterns, positive communication, leadership emergence
Intervention Points
Step in if unsafe catching attempts, poor communication causing confusion, negative interactions, technique breakdown
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for technique points, involve confident students in demonstrations, repeat key points multiple times, link demonstrations to immediate practice
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Soft hands!'
- •'Call your name clearly!'
- •'Quick feet for backpedalling!'
- •'Support your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or playground minimum 30m x 20m, two separate rounders pitch areas
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, suitable for backpedalling movement
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rounders balls for proper inflation and no damage
- •Inspect bats for cracks or splinters before use
- •Ensure posts are stable and properly positioned
- •Check bibs are clean and in good condition
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during high catching
- •Falls during backpedalling movement
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Bat-related injuries during games
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear protocols for calling and catching communication
- •Adequate spacing during all catching activities
- •Progressive skill building from static to moving catches
- •Designated safe areas for non-participating students
- •Only backstop calls instructions during games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all catching activities
- •Monitor high-risk areas during backpedalling practice
- •Circulate during partner work to ensure safe technique
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safe movement
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if collision occurs, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury