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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
4

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
4

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

1
Confident movement between positions
2
Positive response to decisions
3
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