Lesson 5 - Fielding Techniques
Skill Progression & Tactics
•Year 5
•Rounders
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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
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
Distribute around batting areas, check for damage before use
Alternative: Tennis rackets for easier batting option
Bright coloured balls preferred for better visibility and tracking
Alternative: Soft play balls or foam balls for safer catching practice
Available for teacher reference and student guidance
Alternative: Visual technique cards or demonstration videos
Key Vocabulary
A fielding technique where both hands scoop up the ball in one continuous movement
Chasing and collecting a ball that has gone past you, using turn and throw technique
Catching high balls with thumbs together, tracking through finger triangle
The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect balls not hit or missed catches
A complete scoring run around all four bases in one turn
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
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