⚾

Lesson 5 - Throwing Accuracy Under Pressure

Fielding & Communication Skills

•

Year 5

•

Rounders

•

45 min

Big Question

How can we maintain throwing accuracy and effective communication when under pressure in competitive game situations?

Learning Objectives

To throw with real accuracy under pressure situations
To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork in game contexts
To understand and apply advanced fielding positions and backing-up strategies

Key Outcomes

Students will throw accurately to bases under time pressure
Students will communicate effectively during fielding scenarios
Students will understand strategic positioning for fielders

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

1 per group (approximately 6 bats)

Distributed to group leaders at start of activities

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft cricket balls

Cones

24 cones (6 sets of 3 rows of 2)

Set up for warm-up activity in spaced rows

Alternative: Bean bags, markers, chalk lines

Markers

16 bases (4 sets of 4 bases)

Arranged in diamond formation for each group

Alternative: Cones, hoops, chalk circles

Bibs

30 bibs in different colours

Different colours for different roles

Alternative: Coloured bands, team tags

Key Vocabulary

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to stop balls that pass the batter

Backing-up

Positioning behind a fielder to support them in case they miss the ball

Ambidextrous

Able to use both hands equally well for throwing and catching

Base running

The skill of running between bases effectively and safely

Communication

Clear verbal and non-verbal signals between team members

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching techniques
Understanding of rounders rules and positions
Experience with team cooperation

Current Skills

Accurate throwing under pressure
Strategic positioning and backing-up
Advanced communication during gameplay

Next Steps

Full competitive rounders matches
Umpiring and officiating skills
Advanced tactical analysis

Milestone Indicators

Maintaining accuracy in high-pressure situations

Effective verbal and non-verbal communication

Understanding of strategic fielding positions

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise using the nearest hand for ball collection and throwing accuracy
Develop clear communication habits during all fielding scenarios
Focus on accuracy over power in all throwing situations
Teach strategic positioning with deep fielding moving to bases
Build pressure gradually to maintain technique quality
Encourage peer support and positive team communication
Connect all skills to real game situations and tactics

Common Misconceptions

Always using dominant hand regardless of ball position - correct by demonstrating nearest hand technique
Throwing harder improves accuracy under pressure - emphasise technique and control over power
Backing-up means standing very close to the primary fielder - show proper angles and distances
Communication is only needed when problems occur - teach constant positive communication
Deep fielding is lazy positioning - explain tactical advantages and proper movement
Individual skill is more important than team tactics - emphasise collective success over individual performance

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide regular movement breaks, offer leadership roles for engagement

dyspraxia

Use larger targets and slower pace initially, provide extra practice time, focus on step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Provide clear routine structure, offer quiet zones during intense activities, use visual activity schedules

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all activities, assign buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals and demonstrations, ensure clear sight lines for lip reading, provide written instruction cards

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances and targets, provide seated throwing options, use larger equipment if beneficial

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating success percentages, measuring throwing distances, timing activities for data collection

Science

Understanding forces in throwing, trajectory paths, reaction times under pressure situations

Geography

Spatial awareness, positioning strategies, reading angles and distances on playing field

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork under pressure, communication skills, resilience building

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups to observe throwing accuracy and provide immediate feedback on technique

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate throwing under pressure, effective communication, and tactical understanding

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with pressure situations or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all throwing techniques clearly, emphasise body positioning for accuracy, show tactical positioning with student volunteers

Verbal Cues

•'Use your nearest hand!'
•'Communicate clearly!'
•'Back it up!'
•'Accuracy before power!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface suitable for running and safe ball activities, no wet or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders balls are in good condition with no cracks
•Ensure bats have secure grips and no damage
•Verify base markers are stable and visible
•Confirm cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries from wild throws
•Collisions between students during active play
•Bat accidents during batting practice
•Trips over equipment or base markers

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between groups
•Safe throwing distances maintained at all times
•Controlled bat use with designated batting areas
•Regular equipment position checks

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all throwing activities
•Monitor batting areas closely during practice
•Watch for student fatigue affecting technique
•Ensure backing-up doesn't create overcrowding

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, notify office if serious injury