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Lesson 1 - Zone Running and Tactical Awareness

Tactical Game Intelligence

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Year 5

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can I make smart decisions about when to run and where to hit the ball in rounders?

Learning Objectives

Apply rules consistently and judge how far to run based on hit distance
Sprint with power between zones using effective running technique
Direct the ball to hit target areas and create scoring opportunities

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate tactical awareness by making good decisions about when to run to different zones
Students will show improved sprinting technique and speed between bases
Students will accurately hit balls to selected target areas to create advantages

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

12 (4 sets of 3 bases)

Check bats for damage, ensure appropriate weight for Year 5

Alternative: Tennis rackets, cricket bats

Tennis Balls

Use softer balls for safety, check bounce quality

Alternative: Soft rounders balls, cricket balls

Cones

Different colours for zones and target areas

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Bibs

14 (two teams of 7)

Clear team identification for games

Alternative: Different coloured tops

Key Vocabulary

Zone running

Making tactical decisions about which base to run to based on where and how far the ball is hit

Target hitting

Deliberately hitting the ball to specific areas to create scoring opportunities

Power sprinting

Running with maximum speed and efficiency using proper arm drive and leg power

Tactical awareness

Understanding the game situation and making smart decisions about hitting and running

Innings

The period when a team is batting and trying to score rounders

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic understanding of rounders rules and scoring
Fundamental striking skills with a rounders bat
Basic running and stopping techniques

Current Skills

Tactical decision-making about when and how far to run
Power sprinting technique between bases
Directional hitting to target areas

Next Steps

Advanced fielding strategies and positioning
Complex batting techniques including placement shots
Team tactics and communication during games

Milestone Indicators

Student consistently chooses appropriate zone based on hit quality

Student demonstrates efficient sprinting technique with arm drive

Student successfully hits 7/10 balls into intended target areas

Key Teaching Points

Zone running decisions should be based on hit quality and fielder positions, not just distance
Target hitting requires controlled technique rather than power hitting
Sprinting technique includes high knees, pumping arms, and staying on balls of feet
Tactical awareness involves reading the game situation and adapting accordingly
Safety comes first - smart decisions include knowing when to stop on a post
Communication between teammates improves both batting and fielding success
Practice builds confidence - encourage multiple attempts with positive feedback

Common Misconceptions

Students may think hitting harder always creates better running opportunities - emphasise placement over power
Some may believe they should always run to the furthest zone possible - teach risk assessment
Students might think sprinting technique doesn't matter in short distances - show efficiency gains
May assume fielders can't affect their decisions - teach awareness of fielding positions
Some think zone running is only about speed - emphasise smart decision-making component

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments, clear boundaries with visual markers, regular positive feedback

dyspraxia

Larger target zones, extra practice time, simplified decision-making with fewer options

autism spectrum

Clear routines for equipment collection, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zone available

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured zones and boundaries, verbal descriptions of fielder positions, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written zone numbers, hand signals for game instructions

physical disability

Modified zones closer together, seated hitting from wheelchair, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances between zones, measuring hit distances, analysing success rates and percentages

Science

Understanding forces in hitting and throwing, effects of angle on ball trajectory, physics of sprinting

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding angles and directions, mapping field positions

PSHE

Decision-making under pressure, teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during practice phases, central position during demonstrations and game

Observation Focus

Watch for tactical decision-making, technique development, and safety awareness

Intervention Points

Step in when students struggle with zone decisions or when safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for zone running decisions, involve students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Watch the ball, decide quickly!'
•'Sprint through the zone, don't slow down!'
•'Aim for the gap between fielders!'
•'Smart choice - that hit was perfect for Zone 1!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with clear boundaries

Surface Check

Even surface free from holes, debris, or wet patches that could cause slipping

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition with proper bounce
•Verify cones are stable and visible for zone markings

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collision between runners in different zones
•Ball strikes from multiple games occurring simultaneously
•Bat contact during enthusiastic swinging
•Trips and falls during high-speed running

Risk Mitigation

•Clear zone boundaries with adequate spacing between groups
•Proper bat handling technique emphasised throughout
•Designated ball collection procedures to prevent dangerous retrieval
•Progressive speed building rather than immediate full-speed running

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during zone running practice
•Monitor bat handling during hitting activities
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting technique and safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed