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Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching with Accuracy

Fielding & Communication Skills

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Year 5

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can we use soft hands and accurate throwing to become effective rounders players?

Learning Objectives

Develop catching technique using soft hands and proper positioning
Improve throwing accuracy for different distances and targets
Apply throwing and catching skills in game-like situations

Key Outcomes

Students will catch consistently using the 'W' target technique
Students will throw accurately to moving targets
Students will link throwing and catching skills in Danish Long Ball game

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

15 (1 per pair)

Distributed around activity areas

Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls

Cones

30 (6 per group for warm-up, 12 for court marking)

6 cones in line 5m apart, 20m from start line

Alternative: Markers, spots

Sun Markers

12 cones

Mark three Danish Long Ball courts 15m x 8m each

Alternative: Rope, chalk lines

Stopwatch

For timing activities and peer assessments

Alternative: Phone timer, class timer

Bibs

15 (for fielding teams)

Distinguish fielding teams from throwing teams

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Key Vocabulary

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that cushion the ball's impact by giving slightly on contact

W target

Hand position where thumbs and forefingers form a 'W' shape to create a target for catching

Peripheral vision

Ability to see and be aware of movement at the edges of your vision

Lateral movement

Moving sideways to the left or right while maintaining balance

Follow-through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball to ensure accuracy

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Simple catching with two hands
Understanding of team games concepts

Current Skills

Catching with soft hands technique
Accurate throwing into space
Moving to catch balls thrown away from body

Next Steps

Catching while running at full speed
Throwing to specific zones under pressure
Advanced fielding strategies in rounders

Milestone Indicators

Consistent 'W' hand position when catching

Weight transfer and follow-through in throwing

Quick decision-making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Soft hands technique with cushioning action is crucial for consistent catching
The 'W' target hand position provides clear target and optimal catching position
Weight on balls of feet enables quick movement for lateral catches
Catching in line with nose provides best vision and control
Communication in fielding prevents collisions and improves team effectiveness
Progressive challenges build confidence while maintaining technique
Linking individual skills creates effective game performance

Common Misconceptions

Harder throwing equals better accuracy - teach controlled power instead
Rigid hands are stronger - demonstrate soft hands absorb impact better
Looking away from ball early - emphasise watching ball into hands
Standing still when fielding - show active positioning and movement
Individual skill is most important - highlight teamwork and communication value

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between skills, clear boundary markers

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for coordination, simplified movement patterns initially, larger targets and slower balls, buddy support

autism spectrum

Clear visual routine cards, consistent court setups, quiet break areas available, predictable game structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of court layout, buddy system for positioning, audio cues for timing

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written rule cards, ensure visual contact before giving instructions

physical disability

Seated throwing and catching options, adapted distances, larger balls for easier handling, modified movement requirements

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting consecutive catches, measuring distances for court setup, calculating scores, understanding angles for throwing trajectories

Science

Forces in throwing and catching, friction and surface grip, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, reaction times and reflexes

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, map-like understanding of field positions and movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, supporting struggling peers, honest self-assessment, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move continuously between activities to provide individual feedback. During Danish Long Ball, position to see all courts and rotate between them.

Observation Focus

Watch for soft hands technique, proper 'W' target formation, accurate throwing mechanics, and safe movement patterns. Note tactical decision-making in game situations.

Intervention Points

Step in if students show poor technique that could cause injury, when safety rules are not being followed, or when game flow breaks down due to rule confusion.

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique points. Show correct vs incorrect examples clearly. Use students as positive examples when appropriate. Ensure all students can see demonstrations clearly.

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
•'Make that W target!'
•'Watch the ball right into your hands!'
•'Weight on balls of feet!'
•'Below head height only!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum hall size 20m x 30m for warm-up, outdoor space for 3 courts 15m x 8m each with 3m buffer zones

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or debris. Indoor hall with good grip or outdoor field with level ground

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify stopwatch is working correctly
•Check bibs are clean and appropriate size

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries to face/head
•Collisions during peripheral vision running
•Slips and falls during lateral movement
•Collisions during fielding in Danish Long Ball

Risk Mitigation

•Enforce throwing below head height rule strictly
•Ensure adequate spacing between pairs and groups
•Start with controlled pace and progress gradually
•Clear communication protocols for fielding teams
•Proper warm-up to prevent muscle injuries

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all three Danish Long Ball courts
•Monitor peripheral vision activity for crossing conflicts
•Watch for proper technique to prevent overuse injuries
•Ensure safe throwing force throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if needed. Designated first aider and mobile phone accessible.