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Lesson 7 - Tactical Decision Making

Skill Progression & Tactics

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Year 5

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Rounders

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51 min

Big Question

How can smart decision making and tactical awareness help us win games and support our teammates?

Learning Objectives

To develop decision making skills in game situations
To apply tactical awareness as batters, bowlers and fielders
To evaluate risk and make appropriate choices during gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will make informed decisions about when to run and when to stay at posts
Students will select and apply appropriate tactics in different game situations
Students will demonstrate improved tactical awareness across all rounders positions

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for post markers and boundaries - 4 per pitch plus extras

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles

Rounders Equipment

One per batting team member plus spares

Alternative: Tennis rackets, cricket bats, or even hands for beginners

Tennis Balls

One per pitch plus spares for quick restart

Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls, or bean bags

Tennis Rackets

Available for students needing easier batting option

Alternative: Larger hitting implements for differentiation

Key Vocabulary

Tactical awareness

Understanding the game situation and choosing the best action to help your team

Risk assessment

Weighing up whether an action is worth taking based on potential outcomes

Decision making

Choosing the best option from several possibilities quickly and under pressure

Rounder

A complete run around all four posts scoring one point

Half rounder

Reaching second post in one hit for half a point

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic rounders rules and positions
Fundamental batting, bowling and fielding techniques
Understanding of scoring system

Current Skills

Decision making under pressure
Tactical awareness in different positions
Risk assessment and management

Next Steps

Advanced tactical formations
Game management and leadership skills
Competition preparation and strategy

Milestone Indicators

Students pause to assess situation before making decisions

Clear communication of tactics between teammates

Appropriate risk-taking based on game context

Key Teaching Points

Decision making improves with practice and reflection
Different game situations require different tactical approaches
Communication between team members is essential for tactical success
Risk assessment skills transfer between sports and life situations
Tactical awareness develops through experience and observation
Good tactics involve thinking about opponent weaknesses and team strengths
Leadership in tactics involves helping others make good decisions

Common Misconceptions

Thinking tactics are only for advanced players - address by showing how basic decisions are tactical
Believing risk-taking is always good - emphasise appropriate risk assessment
Assuming tactics are only for batting - highlight fielding and bowling tactical decisions
Thinking individual skills matter more than team tactics - demonstrate power of team coordination
Believing tactics never change - show how they adapt to different game situations

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with regular breaks, clear structure with frequent check-ins, movement opportunities built in

dyspraxia

Tennis rackets for easier hitting, larger softer balls, simplified rules with visual reminders

autism spectrum

Clear predictable routines, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if overwhelmed

visual impairment

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

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game starts/stops, written tactical instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication

physical disability

Seated batting options, modified running distances, alternative scoring methods for limited mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills in tactical discussions, vocabulary development with sports terminology

Maths

Calculating scores and statistics, measuring distances for pitch setup, time management in timed games

Science

Forces in throwing and hitting, reaction times in decision making, physics of ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of angles and directions in fielding

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, leadership development, managing pressure and making decisions under stress

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sight lines to all activity areas, mobile during skill development phase

Observation Focus

Decision making quality, tactical awareness development, safe play adherence

Intervention Points

Step in when unsafe play occurs, poor tactical decisions need addressing, or students need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show tactical concepts, involve students in demonstrations where possible

Verbal Cues

•'Look before you throw!'
•'Is it worth the risk?'
•'What's your team's plan?'
•'Great tactical thinking!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 30m x 40m for multiple pitches, or sports hall with equivalent space

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris or standing water

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Cones placed securely to avoid tripping hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during running between posts
•Ball strikes from batting or throwing
•Trips over equipment or uneven ground

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between pitches
•Proper bat handling techniques demonstrated
•Controlled throwing and catching instructions given
•Supervision of post running to prevent collisions

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all pitches simultaneously
•Monitor batting areas for safe technique
•Watch post areas for collision prevention

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, send for additional help if needed