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Lesson 5 - Fielding Techniques

Skill Progression & Tactics

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Year 5

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can smart fielding positioning and technique help your team prevent runs and win the game?

Learning Objectives

To develop and apply a variety of fielding techniques effectively
To make tactical decisions about when to use different fielding techniques
To work as a team to prevent scoring opportunities in rounders

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct technique for two-handed pick up, ball retrieval, and deep catching
Students will select appropriate fielding techniques based on ball trajectory and game situation
Students will apply fielding skills effectively in a mini rounders game

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

12 cones per rounders pitch (3 pitches total), 4 bases per pitch plus bowling square markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk marks for base marking

Rounders Equipment

Distribute around batting areas, check for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis rackets for easier batting option

Tennis Balls

Bright coloured balls preferred for better visibility and tracking

Alternative: Soft play balls or foam balls for safer catching practice

Clues Document

Available for teacher reference and student guidance

Alternative: Visual technique cards or demonstration videos

Key Vocabulary

Two-handed pickup

A fielding technique where both hands scoop up the ball in one continuous movement

Ball retrieval

Chasing and collecting a ball that has gone past you, using turn and throw technique

Deep catching

Catching high balls with thumbs together, tracking through finger triangle

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect balls not hit or missed catches

Rounder

A complete scoring run around all four bases in one turn

Stumped out

When a fielder gets the ball to a base before the runner reaches it

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching skills
Understanding of rounders rules and positions
Ability to track moving balls

Current Skills

Two-handed ball pickup technique
Ball retrieval with turn and throw
Deep catching for high balls
Tactical fielding positioning

Next Steps

Advanced fielding strategies
Quick release throws
Communication in fielding team
Anticipating batter intentions

Milestone Indicators

Smooth, continuous movement in pickup and throw

Successful catches from various angles and heights

Quick decision-making about fielding technique

Effective teamwork in preventing runs

Key Teaching Points

Move your feet to track and meet the ball rather than waiting for it
Select appropriate fielding technique based on ball trajectory and situation
Cup hands together for two-handed pickup with little fingers touching
Turn on balls of feet for quickest direction change during ball retrieval
Position thumbs together forming triangle for tracking high catches
Start fielding positions deeper and move forward rather than starting close
Communicate with teammates about who should take each ball

Common Misconceptions

Students think they should wait for the ball to come to them instead of moving to meet it
Belief that catching with one hand is always better than two hands
Confusion about which technique to use for different ball trajectories
Thinking fielders should start close to batters rather than deeper positions
Misconception that speed is more important than technique accuracy
Believing all throws should be as hard as possible rather than accurate and controlled

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, immediate feedback and praise, movement breaks built in, clear boundaries and rules

dyspraxia

Extra demonstration time, larger equipment, simplified movement patterns, additional practice opportunities, peer support

autism spectrum

Clear lesson structure with visual timetable, quiet practice area available, consistent routines, advance warning of game changes

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance, tactile exploration of equipment

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for game situations, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated fielding positions, adapted equipment like larger balls, modified throwing distances, alternative catching techniques

Cross-Curricular Links

Science

Forces and motion in ball trajectory, friction effects on rolling balls, body systems during physical activity

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directional language (forward, backward, left, right), mapping field positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when techniques don't work perfectly, managing emotions during competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between the three game areas during mini rounders, central position during skill practices for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct fielding technique, safe equipment use, and inclusive participation by all students

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with technique, unsafe behaviour occurs, or conflicts arise between teams

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate techniques slowly first, then at game speed. Use students as positive examples when possible. Exaggerate key points for visibility.

Verbal Cues

•'Move your feet to track the ball!'
•'Cup your hands together!'
•'Turn on the balls of your feet!'
•'Get underneath the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m for three mini rounders pitches, or sports hall with adequate ceiling height

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes, stones or debris that could cause trips or slips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders bats for damage, cracks or splintering
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
•Verify cones are not cracked or have sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from catching or throwing
•Collisions between students during fielding
•Trips over equipment or uneven surfaces
•Overexertion during intensive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities
•Controlled throwing and catching only - no wild throws
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Clear rules about equipment use and storage

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three game areas
•Monitor high-activity periods closely
•Watch for proper technique to prevent injury
•Ensure all students understand safety rules

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support, inform relevant staff if injury occurs