Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching with Accuracy
Fielding & Communication Skills
•Year 5
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around activity areas
Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls
6 cones in line 5m apart, 20m from start line
Alternative: Markers, spots
Mark three Danish Long Ball courts 15m x 8m each
Alternative: Rope, chalk lines
For timing activities and peer assessments
Alternative: Phone timer, class timer
Distinguish fielding teams from throwing teams
Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers
Key Vocabulary
Relaxed hands that cushion the ball's impact by giving slightly on contact
Hand position where thumbs and forefingers form a 'W' shape to create a target for catching
Ability to see and be aware of movement at the edges of your vision
Moving sideways to the left or right while maintaining balance
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
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.