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Lesson 6 - Tournament Performance

Team Performance Skills

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Year 4

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can we demonstrate excellent understanding and performance across all positions in competitive rounders?

Learning Objectives

Perform effectively in multiple fielding positions during competitive games
Demonstrate clear understanding and acceptance of rounders rules and decisions
Apply backing up techniques to support teammates in fielding situations

Key Outcomes

Students will confidently perform in at least three different fielding positions
Students will demonstrate understanding by accepting umpire decisions positively
Students will successfully use backing up techniques to prevent runs

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

One per game group, spares for practice

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft play balls

Markers Cones

16 (4 sets of 4)

Set up two rounders pitches in diamond formation

Alternative: Hoops, mats, markers

Coloured Cones

4 different colours

For self-assessment activity at lesson end

Alternative: Coloured markers, spots

Mats

For backing up practice activity

Alternative: Small cones, chalk marks

Bibs

4 sets of different colours

To distinguish teams during tournament

Alternative: Coloured bands, team sheets

Key Vocabulary

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect balls and prevent runs

Backing up

Supporting another fielder by positioning behind them to collect overthrows

Base runner

A player who has hit the ball and is running between bases

Fielding positions

Specific areas where players position themselves to collect the ball

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic fielding techniques (catching, throwing)
Understanding of batting and bowling
Knowledge of base positions and basic rules

Current Skills

Multi-position competency
Backing up and supporting teammates
Game understanding and rule interpretation

Next Steps

Advanced tactical decision-making
Leadership roles in team sports
Umpiring and officiating skills

Milestone Indicators

Confident movement between positions

Positive response to decisions

Effective team communication

Key Teaching Points

Backing up positioning should be 5 metres behind the target to allow for overthrow collection
Communication between fielders must be loud and clear - 'MINE!' with raised hand
Rule understanding is demonstrated through acceptance of decisions, not arguing or questioning
Multi-position competency means adapting technique and positioning for each role
Team captains are the only players who should give fielding instructions to prevent confusion
Self-assessment accuracy improves when students understand specific criteria being measured
Tournament play requires sustained effort and concentration throughout multiple games

Common Misconceptions

Thinking backing up means standing next to the fielder rather than behind at distance
Believing faster runners don't need to back up teammates - everyone has a support role
Assuming rule arguments show good game knowledge rather than poor sportsmanship
Thinking self-assessment means being modest rather than honest about performance
Believing tournament success only comes from natural ability rather than tactical understanding
Assuming one favourite position is enough rather than developing multi-position competency

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Use shorter game segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, offer leadership roles to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger equipment, reduce complexity of multi-position requirements, provide extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedule for lesson phases, offer quiet space if overwhelmed by competition

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of fielding positions, assign sighted partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Use clear visual signals for game management, ensure student can see teacher for instructions, provide written position cards

physical disability

Modify throwing distances, provide alternative batting techniques, adapt fielding positions to suit mobility levels

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting balls in overs, calculating team scores, measuring distances for field setup, understanding angles for backing up positions

Science

Forces in throwing and hitting, trajectory and flight paths, energy transfer from bat to ball, reaction times in catching

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions for fielding, mapping movement around bases

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, accepting decisions gracefully, leadership through captaincy, resilience in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Position centrally between two pitches for maximum visibility, move closer to observe specific skills or manage behaviour

Observation Focus

Watch for rule understanding, multi-position competency, teamwork, and sporting behaviour throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in to clarify rules, manage disputes, highlight excellent examples, or ensure safety protocols

Demonstration Notes

Use skilled students to demonstrate excellent backing up, rule understanding, and multi-position play during natural breaks

Verbal Cues

•'Call it loudly!'
•'Back up your teammate!'
•'Great decision accepting that call!'
•'Show me different positions!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m for two pitches, or sports hall with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, wet patches, or debris that could cause slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition
•Verify bases are securely positioned and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between fielders
•Bat contact with other students
•Trips and falls during running

Risk Mitigation

•Clear communication protocols to prevent collisions
•Safe bat handling procedures enforced
•Adequate spacing between playing areas
•Appropriate ball weight for age group

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both games simultaneously
•Monitor bat handling during team changes
•Watch for appropriate competitive behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if required