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Lesson 4 - Refining Fielding & Positioning

Fielding Strategies

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Year 5

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

How can we strategically position our fielding team to maximise our chances of getting batters out?

Learning Objectives

To refine fielding tactics by selecting appropriate player positions based on individual skill sets
To develop decision-making skills when placing fielders strategically around the playing area
To improve throwing accuracy and speed when fielding in different positions

Key Outcomes

Students will be able to select and justify fielding positions based on player abilities
Students will demonstrate improved accuracy and speed in throwing from various fielding positions
Students will work collaboratively to organise effective fielding strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

1 per team (4 total)

Have extras available around the playing area

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety

Markers

16 cones (4 bases × 4 teams)

Space bases 12-15 metres apart in diamond formation

Alternative: Hoops, mats, or chalk circles

Team bibs

32 bibs (4 colours, 8 per team)

Different colours for each team for easy identification

Alternative: House team tops or coloured bands

Score Sheets

4 clipboards with pencils

One scorer per team to track rounders

Alternative: Whiteboard and markers

Key Vocabulary

Fielding tactics

Strategic decisions about where to position players to maximise effectiveness

Backing up

Supporting a teammate by positioning behind them to collect overthrows

Strategic positioning

Placing fielders in locations that best utilise their individual skills

Doubling up roles

One fielder covering multiple responsibilities or positions

Skill set

The range of abilities and strengths that each player possesses

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm and overarm throwing techniques
Understanding of rounders rules and basic positions
Experience fielding in different positions from previous lessons

Current Skills

Strategic positioning based on player abilities
Advanced fielding tactics and backing up teammates
Quick decision-making under pressure

Next Steps

Complex game situations with multiple tactical options
Advanced communication and leadership in team sports
Adapting strategies based on opposition analysis

Milestone Indicators

Students can explain why they've chosen specific positions for teammates

Fielding team works as a cohesive unit with minimal teacher input

Players adapt positions during gameplay based on batter tendencies

Key Teaching Points

Match player abilities to position requirements for maximum effectiveness
Backing up teammates is as important as the primary fielding position
Quick, accurate throws are more valuable than powerful but inaccurate throws
Communication between fielders prevents gaps and confusion
Tactical flexibility allows teams to adapt to different batting strengths
Leadership involves helping teammates understand their roles clearly
Problem-solving skills transfer from sports to other life situations

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that the strongest player should always be the bowler - accuracy and technique matter more than power
Believing that backing up is only for weaker players - it's a strategic necessity for all skill levels
Assuming that once positions are set they cannot be changed - tactical flexibility is key to success
Focusing only on individual skills rather than team coordination and communication
Thinking that tactical knowledge is less important than physical skills in sports

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement opportunities, use clear, concise instructions

dyspraxia

Use larger, softer balls, reduce complexity of tactical decisions, provide extra practice time for throwing techniques

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual diagrams of fielding positions, use consistent routines for team changes, offer quiet reflection time

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of fielding positions, pair with sighted buddy for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for tactical instructions, provide written strategy cards, ensure face-to-face communication during discussions

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances and techniques, provide seated fielding options, modify bases for wheelchair access

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Technical vocabulary development, explanation and reasoning skills, listening and speaking in team discussions

Maths

Angles and directions when discussing fielding positions, measuring distances between bases, calculating scoring statistics

Science

Forces in throwing - power, accuracy, trajectory; teamwork and communication as systems working together

Geography

Spatial awareness and mapping of fielding positions, using directional language and coordinates

PSHE

Leadership skills, collaborative decision-making, resilience when strategies don't work as planned

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between teams during discussions to listen and provide guidance, position at centre during games for overview of all action

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical thinking quality, communication effectiveness, and skill application under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in if teams struggle with tactical concepts, if safety concerns arise, or if collaboration breaks down

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing positioning, involve students in demonstrations to maintain engagement

Verbal Cues

•'Think about what skills that position needs most'
•'Where would you expect that batter to hit the ball?'
•'How can your team back each other up?'
•'What would happen if you moved that fielder closer/further?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with multiple playing diamonds

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Cone bases securely positioned and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between fielders
•Tripping over bases or equipment
•Overexertion during throwing activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing protocols with designated directions
•Adequate spacing between playing areas
•Rotation of positions to prevent overuse injuries
•Emphasis on controlled, accurate throws over power

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for clear view of all playing areas
•Monitor throwing technique to prevent injury
•Watch for signs of fatigue during extended throwing
•Ensure safe collection and return of equipment

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required