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Lesson 3 - Batting Technique

Skill Progression & Tactics

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Year 5

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can I develop consistent batting technique to score more rounders and help my team win?

Learning Objectives

To develop and refine batting technique in rounders
To understand how body position affects batting accuracy and power
To apply batting skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved batting stance and swing technique
Students will show understanding of strategic batting placement
Students will apply batting skills confidently in mini rounders games

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

1 per 2 students (15 minimum)

Check bats for damage and ensure appropriate size for students

Alternative: Tennis rackets, cricket bats, or paddle bats for easier contact

Tennis Balls

24 (allow for losses)

Use bright coloured balls for better visibility

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, cricket balls for advanced groups

Cones

42 for base markers and boundaries

Use different colours for different bases if available

Alternative: Bases, hoops, or chalk marks on tarmac

Hoops

6 for bowling squares and batting areas

Secure hoops flat to prevent tripping hazards

Alternative: Chalked squares or marked areas

Tees

Adjustable height tees preferred for different students

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Key Vocabulary

Batting stance

Standing sideways to the bowler with feet shoulder-width apart and bat ready

Follow through

Continuing the bat swing after hitting the ball to add power and direction

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to catch missed balls

Good ball

A ball bowled within the batter's reach between knee and shoulder height

Rounder

A complete run around all four bases scoring one point for the team

Bowling square

The designated area where the bowler must stand to deliver the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic hand-eye coordination skills
Understanding of rounders basic rules from previous lessons
Experience with throwing and catching activities

Current Skills

Correct batting grip and stance
Eye tracking and timing coordination
Follow-through technique for power and accuracy

Next Steps

Advanced batting strategies and shot selection
Bowling techniques and game tactics
Full rounders game with umpiring skills

Milestone Indicators

Student demonstrates sideways stance without prompting

Consistent contact with ball in 6 out of 8 attempts

Shows understanding of tactical batting placement

Key Teaching Points

Sideways batting stance with dominant side away from bowler
Firm but relaxed grip on bat handle
Eyes track ball from bowler's hand to contact point
Bat starts back behind body ready to swing through
Follow through with arms and shoulders for power and direction
Tactical placement of shots to avoid fielders
Carry bat when running bases in rounders games

Common Misconceptions

Standing square to bowler instead of sideways - show correct angle repeatedly
Looking at fielders instead of ball - remind to keep eyes on ball throughout
Stopping swing at contact - emphasise follow-through for power
Gripping bat too tightly - demonstrate relaxed but secure grip
Rushing swing without timing - practice patience and timing drills
Hitting every ball regardless of quality - teach selective hitting strategy

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Regular movement breaks, clear expectations, shorter activity segments with frequent changes

dyspraxia

Larger, softer equipment, simplified movements, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction cards

autism spectrum

Clear visual boundaries for activities, consistent routines, quiet space available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide detailed verbal descriptions of setup, use sound cues for ball position

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Seated batting from wheelchair, adapted grip supports, shorter distance or batting tee options

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces in batting - push and pull, trajectory of ball flight, body levers in batting action

Geography

Directional language - left, right, forward, backward in tactical placement

Mathematics

Measuring 6-metre distances, calculating batting scores, angles of batting direction

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when missing balls, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulation during practices to see all students

Observation Focus

Watch for correct batting stance, eye tracking, follow-through technique, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when technique errors could become habits, when safety is compromised, or when students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate all techniques clearly and slowly, repeat key points, use student demonstrators when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Sideways on!'
•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Follow through high!'
•'Soft hands on the grip!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m outdoor space or large sports hall, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, stones, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
•Verify cones are stable and not damaged

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Bat contact between students
•Tripping over bases or equipment
•Collisions during running

Risk Mitigation

•Clear spacing between batting pairs and groups
•Controlled bowling speeds appropriate to student ability
•Proper bat handling instruction and monitoring
•Clear boundaries and traffic flows established

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all batting activities simultaneously
•Regular circulation between groups during activities
•Monitor for fatigue affecting concentration

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, apply first aid if trained, call for medical assistance if needed