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Lesson 3 - Fielding When the Batter Misses

Fielding Strategies

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Year 5

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

How can fielding teams use tactical awareness to prevent scoring when the batter misses the ball?

Learning Objectives

Understand the rules and consequences when a batter misses the ball in rounders
Develop tactical fielding strategies to prevent scoring and get batters out
Apply accurate throwing and backing-up techniques in game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate understanding of what happens when a batter misses the ball
Students will execute effective fielding tactics to prevent scoring
Students will show improved accuracy in throwing and strategic positioning

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

1 per group (6 total)

Keep spare balls around field perimeter for quick replacement

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft cricket balls

Rounders Posts and Bases

4 per group (24 total)

Position in diamond formation, 12 metres apart

Alternative: Cones, hoops, chalk circles

Coloured Bibs

2 sets of 15

Different colours for batting and fielding teams

Alternative: Team bands, coloured cones for identification

Key Vocabulary

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to catch missed balls

Half rounder

Score of 0.5 when batter misses the ball but reaches second base safely

Backing up

Supporting a team member by positioning behind them to stop overthrows

Doubling up

One fielder covering two positions to maximise team efficiency

Overarm throw

Throwing technique using full arm extension over the shoulder for distance and power

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm bowling technique
Understanding of rounders field positions
Basic catching and throwing skills

Current Skills

Tactical awareness when batter misses
Backing up fielding positions
Quick and accurate throwing under pressure

Next Steps

Advanced fielding strategies in full games
Complex tactical decision-making
Leadership roles in team organisation

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throws to prevent scoring

Quick decision-making in fielding situations

Effective communication with team members

Key Teaching Points

Backstop must be ready and alert when batter misses the ball
Accurate throwing is more important than powerful throwing
Backing up teammates prevents balls going past fielders
Communication between fielders is essential for tactical success
Quick decision-making under pressure improves with practice
Understanding rules helps both batting and fielding teams
Teamwork and individual skills must work together effectively

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking batter is automatically out when they miss - explain they can still run and score
Believing powerful throws are better than accurate ones - emphasise control over force
Thinking individual brilliance is more important than team tactics - stress collaborative success
Assuming fielding positions are fixed - teach adaptive positioning and backing up
Misunderstanding when half rounders are scored - clarify reaching second base safely after missing

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear role definitions, frequent position changes to maintain engagement

dyspraxia

Extra practice time for throwing technique, simplified tactical instructions, larger targets for improved success rates

autism spectrum

Clear visual schedule of activities, designated safe space for breaks, structured routines for position rotations

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for guidance around bases

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations of tactics, hand signals for communication, written rules and position cards

physical disability

Adapted throwing positions, shorter distances between bases, modified catching techniques, seated fielding positions where appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances between bases, measuring throwing accuracy, understanding half and whole number scoring concepts

Science

Forces involved in throwing, trajectory and angles of ball flight, understanding momentum in base running

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of field layouts and tactical positioning

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, communication under pressure, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice, central position during demonstrations for visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical understanding, throwing accuracy, and effective communication between team members

Intervention Points

Step in if students struggling with rules understanding or if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show tactical positioning, emphasise key decision points, celebrate good examples of teamwork

Verbal Cues

•'Quick hands, accurate throws!'
•'Back up your teammates!'
•'Communicate with your fielding team!'
•'Think tactics - where should you be?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor field, minimum 30m x 40m clear space

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and diving

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders balls are not damaged or too hard
•Ensure bases/posts are secure and visible
•Verify bats have no cracks or loose handles

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during base running
•Ball strikes to head or body
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes
•Overexertion during throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established for each playing area
•Adequate spacing between practice groups
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic
•Proper warm-up before intense throwing activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all playing areas
•Monitor throwing technique to prevent shoulder injury
•Watch for signs of fatigue during game situations

Emergency Procedures

Stop play immediately, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, ensure clear access for emergency services if needed