Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching with Accuracy
Skill Progression & Tactics
•Year 5
•Rounders
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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
Distribute around activity area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Rounders balls, soft cricket balls
Use to identify taggers in warm-up activity
Alternative: Foam balls, different coloured tennis balls
Mark boundaries, bases, and throwing distances clearly
Alternative: Marker discs, chalk lines
Position as bowling targets and batting squares for mini rounders
Alternative: Chalk circles, cone squares
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a forward motion
A throwing technique where the arm swings forward from below the waist
The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect missed balls
A complete run around all bases scoring one point
Reaching second base safely, scoring half a point
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
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