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Lesson 8 - Tournament Tactics

Skill Progression & Tactics

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Year 5

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can we apply our rounders skills and tactics to compete effectively in a tournament format?

Learning Objectives

To be able to play in a rounders tournament format
To select and apply appropriate tactics in different game situations
To demonstrate fielding skills under pressure whilst maintaining fair play

Key Outcomes

Students will compete in a structured tournament demonstrating tactical awareness
Students will apply the rules of rounders consistently during competitive play
Students will evaluate their own and others' tactical decisions and effectiveness

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Different coloured cones for each of the three pitches - 12 cones per pitch for bases and boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines for base marking

Rounders Equipment

2-3 bats per team, store safely between games

Alternative: Tennis rackets for easier hitting, cricket bats for advanced students

Tennis Balls

One ball per pitch for tournament play

Alternative: Softer balls for nervous students, harder balls for advanced groups

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition involving multiple teams playing against each other in organised matches

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain advantage in batting, bowling or fielding

No Ball

An illegal delivery in rounders that results in automatic scoring opportunities

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batting square to collect missed balls

Bowling Square

The designated area where the bowler must have possession to stop runners

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic rounders skills including batting, bowling and fielding
Understanding of basic rounders rules and scoring
Experience of playing modified rounders games

Current Skills

Tournament format play with time constraints
Tactical decision making under pressure
Leadership and communication during competitive play

Next Steps

Advanced tactical variations and set plays
Umpiring and officiating skills
Inter-school competition preparation

Milestone Indicators

Consistent application of rules during competitive play

Evidence of tactical discussion and implementation

Demonstration of sportsmanship throughout tournament

Key Teaching Points

Tournament format requires consistent rule application and tactical awareness
Effective fielding tactics include strategic positioning and constant communication
Smart batting decisions balance risk-taking with tactical game awareness
Leadership and sportsmanship are as important as technical skills in competitive play
Tactical discussions between team members enhance performance and understanding
Fair play and rule adherence must be maintained even under competitive pressure
Tournament experience develops resilience and decision-making under pressure

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that tournament play is just about winning rather than skill development and fair play
Believing that tactics are only important for advanced players rather than all participants
Assuming that competitive pressure should override safety and fair play considerations
Misunderstanding that individual brilliance is more important than team tactical cooperation
Thinking that tournament rules can be relaxed because 'it's just practice' rather than maintaining standards

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear role definitions during tournament, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback for good decisions

dyspraxia

Tennis rackets for easier ball contact, larger balls, simplified field positions with clear marking

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure with visual schedules, quiet zones between matches, predictable rotation patterns

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured cones and balls, verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game start/stop, written tournament schedules, clear visual demonstrations

physical disability

Modified tournament roles including scoring or umpiring, adapted equipment, shorter game durations

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills during tactical discussions, articulating strategies and decisions

Maths

Tournament scoring, time management during 4-minute innings, statistics collection and analysis

Science

Understanding of trajectory and force in batting, energy systems during intensive tournament play

Geography

Spatial awareness in field positioning, tactical use of playing area and boundaries

PSHE

Leadership development, teamwork under pressure, resilience in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position with clear sight lines to all three tournament pitches for effective supervision

Observation Focus

Monitor tactical application, rule adherence, fair play, and competitive intensity throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play develops, rules disputes arise, or competitive pressure becomes counterproductive

Demonstration Notes

Use natural breaks between matches to highlight excellent tactical play or sportsmanship examples

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical thinking team!'
•'Remember to communicate with your teammates!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship!'
•'Think about your field positioning!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large outdoor area minimum 60m x 40m to accommodate three tournament pitches safely

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause trips during intensive running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders bats for damage or splinters before tournament use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition without splits
•Verify cones are positioned securely and visible to all players

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions during simultaneous base running
•Ball strikes during intensive fielding
•Fatigue-related injuries during tournament progression
•Competitive pressure leading to dangerous play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear base running rules enforced consistently
•Adequate spacing between tournament pitches
•Regular water breaks during tournament play
•Emphasis on fair play and controlled competitive spirit

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position teachers to observe all three pitches simultaneously
•Monitor competitive intensity and intervene if necessary
•Watch for signs of fatigue or dehydration as tournament progresses

Emergency Procedures

Designated first aider available, clear access routes to all pitches, mobile phone accessible for emergency contact