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Lesson 3 - Throwing Skills

Team Performance Skills

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Year 4

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can accurate throwing and clear communication help our team succeed in rounders?

Learning Objectives

Develop throwing accuracy and technique using both overarm and underarm throws
Understand and apply basic rounders rules including 'no ball' and fielding positions
Communicate effectively with teammates during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved throwing accuracy at different distances
Students will show understanding of rounders rules and accept umpire decisions
Students will work cooperatively as a team using clear communication

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

Distribute balls to each group station

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft cricket balls

Cones

Mark bases, boundaries, and throwing stations

Alternative: Bean bags or markers

Hoops

Use as targets for throwing practice

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Cricket Wickets

2 sets

Position 8 metres from throwing line

Alternative: Cones arranged in triangle

Balls

For underarm throwing practice

Alternative: Small balls or foam balls

Key Vocabulary

No ball

An illegal delivery in rounders that doesn't count and gives the batting team an advantage

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batting area who catches missed balls and makes rule decisions

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder for power and distance

Underarm throw

A bowling technique where the arm swings below the waist for accuracy

Base

The four positions that runners must reach in order around the rounders field

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of taking turns and following rules
Experience working in small groups

Current Skills

Accurate throwing using correct technique
Understanding rounders rules and positions
Effective team communication during play

Next Steps

Tactical batting decisions and placement
Advanced fielding strategies and positioning
Leadership roles in competitive rounders games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accuracy in throwing at targets 8+ metres away

Confident application of rounders rules without adult support

Natural leadership and encouragement of teammates

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise opposite foot forward for all throwing techniques
Model and expect excellent sportsmanship throughout
Connect throwing skills to real game situations
Encourage strategic thinking about when to run bases
Celebrate both skill development and positive attitudes
Use self-assessment to build metacognitive awareness
Ensure all students experience success at their level

Common Misconceptions

Same foot forward as throwing arm - correct with 'opposite foot forward' cue
Always running regardless of situation - teach strategic decision-making
Throwing too hard in dodgeball - emphasise control and safety
Rules are fixed and cannot be adapted - explain how rules help fair play
Only fast runners can succeed - highlight throwing accuracy and tactical thinking

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement expectations, regular positive feedback, fidget tools during discussions

dyspraxia

Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, visual cues for technique, larger equipment options

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routine, visual timetable of activities, quiet zones available, sensory breaks as needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, clear verbal descriptions of all activities, buddy system for guidance, textured markers for bases

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Adapted throwing distances and techniques, seated throwing options, larger targets, modified equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with sporting terms, communication skills, explaining rules and tactics to others

Maths

Calculating scores and runs, understanding odd and even numbers, measuring distances for throwing accuracy, timing rotations

Science

Forces and motion in throwing techniques, understanding trajectory and accuracy, body systems during exercise

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions fairly, building resilience through challenge, developing leadership skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing visual access to all activities, move between groups during station work

Observation Focus

Technical skill development, rule understanding, teamwork and communication, safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in for safety issues, support struggling students, resolve rule disputes, encourage positive interactions

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate throwing techniques clearly, show rule applications in context, model good sportsmanship and communication

Verbal Cues

•'Opposite foot forward!'
•'Eyes on target!'
•'Call for the ball!'
•'Great decision-making!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area minimum 25m x 20m with additional space for throwing practice

Surface Check

Dry, level surface free from obstacles, adequate grip for running and stopping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders bats for damage or splinters
•Ensure balls are appropriate size and hardness
•Verify cones have no sharp edges
•Check hoops are intact and safe

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to players
•Collisions during running
•Trips over equipment or bases
•Bat-related injuries

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing directions established and maintained
•Safe bat handling procedures taught and enforced
•Adequate spacing between groups and activities
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Clear boundaries and safe zones established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activities
•Monitor throwing stations for safe technique
•Watch for fatigue affecting safety
•Ensure fair play and good sportsmanship

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal understood by all, first aid kit accessible, clear evacuation route identified