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Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching with Accuracy

Skill Progression & Tactics

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Year 5

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Rounders

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1h 9min

Big Question

How can accurate throwing and catching skills help us become better rounders players?

Learning Objectives

To develop accurate overarm and underarm throwing techniques
To improve catching skills with small balls in game situations
To understand how throwing accuracy affects game performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved throwing accuracy using correct technique
Students will successfully catch a small ball in dynamic situations
Students will apply throwing and catching skills in mini rounders games

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

28 (1 per student)

Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls

Balls

Use to identify taggers in warm-up activity

Alternative: Foam balls, different coloured tennis balls

Cones

Mark boundaries, bases, and throwing distances clearly

Alternative: Marker discs, chalk lines

Hoops

Position as bowling targets and batting squares for mini rounders

Alternative: Chalk circles, cone squares

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a forward motion

Underarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below the waist

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls

Rounder

A complete run around all bases scoring one point

Half rounder

Reaching second base safely, scoring half a point

Fielder

Players who try to collect the ball and prevent runs being scored

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and coordination skills from KS1
Understanding of personal space and movement
Experience with simple throwing and catching activities

Current Skills

Accurate overarm and underarm throwing techniques
Confident catching of small balls in motion
Application of skills in game contexts

Next Steps

Developing batting techniques in rounders
Advanced fielding strategies and positioning
Understanding complex game tactics and rules

Milestone Indicators

Maintains eye contact with ball throughout catch

Steps with opposite foot when throwing

Releases ball with fingers pointing at target

Demonstrates consistent accuracy over 8m distance

Key Teaching Points

Opposite foot steps forward when throwing for power and accuracy
Eyes must track the ball throughout its flight for successful catching
Overarm throwing requires sideways stance and high elbow position
Tactical throwing in rounders means placing ball away from fielders
Consistent technique is more important than maximum power
Safety awareness includes understanding throwing directions and spacing
Game understanding develops through practical application of skills

Common Misconceptions

Students often use same-side foot when throwing - emphasise opposite foot stepping
Many believe throwing harder equals throwing further - focus on technique over power
Students may think catching is just about hands - emphasise whole body positioning
Common confusion between rounder and half-rounder scoring - use clear visual demonstrations
Students may not understand tactical throwing - explain fielder positioning impact
Misunderstanding of when to stop running - clarify bowler-in-hoop rule clearly

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement breaks, use clear boundaries and simple instructions

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for technique development, use larger equipment initially, provide step-by-step technique cards

autism spectrum

Provide clear activity sequences on visual schedule, create quiet zones for overwhelming moments, maintain consistent routines throughout

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls for better visibility, provide clear verbal descriptions of activities, implement buddy system for movement

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations extensively, establish clear hand signals for common instructions, provide written activity cards

physical disability

Modify throwing distances to suit individual capabilities, provide seated throwing options, use larger or lighter balls as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances with metres, counting catches and scores, timing activities, calculating rounders and half-rounders

Science

Forces and motion in throwing, trajectory and gravity effects, muscle groups used in throwing actions, energy and movement

Geography

Direction and compass points for throwing tactics, spatial awareness and positioning, mapping movement patterns around bases

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when learning new skills, celebrating others' achievements, managing competition emotions

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location during demonstrations, move between groups during practice, position at corners for maximum visibility during games

Observation Focus

Watch for correct throwing technique, monitor catching confidence, check understanding of rules and tactics, assess safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in if technique is unsafe, clarify rules when confusion arises, provide encouragement for struggling students, address competitive behaviour issues

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate facing the class, exaggerate key movements for visibility, use students to model good technique, repeat demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball throughout the catch!'
•'Step with opposite foot for power!'
•'Throw away from the fielders!'
•'Smooth action, not rushed!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area, clearly marked boundaries with adequate space between groups

Surface Check

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

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
•Ensure cones are stable and visible
•Hoops placed securely and not creating trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body from throwing activities
•Collisions between students during running and catching
•Trips and falls during base running
•Overexertion during competitive activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing directions established to avoid crossing paths
•Adequate spacing between groups maintained throughout
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Emphasis on controlled movements rather than maximum speed

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Monitor throwing directions and distances for safety
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion
•Intervene quickly if unsafe practices observed

Emergency Procedures

Stop signal established, clear evacuation routes identified, first aid kit accessible, emergency contact procedures known