Lesson 7 - Tactical Decision Making
Skill Progression & Tactics
•Year 5
•Rounders
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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
Used for post markers and boundaries - 4 per pitch plus extras
Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk circles
One per batting team member plus spares
Alternative: Tennis rackets, cricket bats, or even hands for beginners
One per pitch plus spares for quick restart
Alternative: Soft balls, foam balls, or bean bags
Available for students needing easier batting option
Alternative: Larger hitting implements for differentiation
Key Vocabulary
Understanding the game situation and choosing the best action to help your team
Weighing up whether an action is worth taking based on potential outcomes
Choosing the best option from several possibilities quickly and under pressure
A complete run around all four posts scoring one point
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
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