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Lesson 5 - High Catching and Leadership Skills

Team Performance Skills

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Year 4

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Rounders

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1h 16min

Big Question

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

Rounders Equipment

4-6

Have extras available as balls may go astray during high catching practice

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft cricket balls

Cones

Mark boundaries and catching practice areas

Alternative: Markers or spots

Bibs

Two different colours for team identification

Alternative: Team bands or different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

High catch

Catching a ball that comes above head height

Backpedal

Moving backwards quickly while keeping eyes on the ball

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball

Eye level

The optimal height to catch a ball, roughly at the height of your eyes

Leadership

Taking responsibility and helping others perform better

Backstop

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

Consistently catches 8/10 high balls

Demonstrates clear verbal communication

Shows positive leadership behaviours

Understands and applies rounders scoring system

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