Lesson 1 - Attacking Bowling & Batting
Advanced Tactics & Play
•Year 6
•Rounders
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How can we use attacking bowling and urgent batting to gain maximum advantage in a limited innings game?
Learning Objectives
- Demonstrate urgency in acquiring rounders within a specified innings length
- Apply both attacking and defensive tactics as batters and fielders
- Execute fast bowling technique to challenge batters effectively
Key Outcomes
- Students will show tactical awareness when batting and bowling in limited innings
- Students will demonstrate fast bowling technique with power and accuracy
- Students will apply urgency and communication skills during competitive rounders
Equipment & Resources Required
Extra balls available for continuous play
Alternative: Tennis balls or soft play balls
Bright colours for clear visibility
Alternative: Cones, hula hoops, or chalk circles
For clear team identification
Alternative: Coloured bands or team cards
Key Vocabulary
Bowling technique using maximum arm speed and power to make it difficult for batters to hit
A set period or number of balls in which a team attempts to score rounders
Bowling with speed and tactical placement to prevent easy hits
Batting with purpose and speed to maximise scoring opportunities in limited time
Strategic placement of fielders based on batter tendencies and game situation
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic rounders rules and scoring system
- Fundamental bowling and batting techniques
- Understanding of fielding positions and teamwork
Current Skills
- Fast bowling technique with power
- Urgent batting tactics for limited innings
- Strategic field positioning and communication
Next Steps
- Advanced bowling variations and deception
- Complex batting strategies and shot selection
- Leadership roles and tactical decision-making
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Fast bowling requires opposite foot forward and full arm swing for power and accuracy
- Urgency in batting means quick decision-making and immediate running after hitting
- Tactical bowling involves varying pace and placement to challenge batters
- Team communication is essential for effective fielding and encouraging urgent play
- Limited innings creates pressure that requires both attacking and defensive tactics
- Good sportsmanship must be maintained even in highly competitive situations
- Safety awareness is crucial when bowling fast and running with urgency
Common Misconceptions
- Fast bowling means throwing as hard as possible without control - emphasise accuracy first
- Urgent batting means running on every hit - teach smart decision-making about when to run
- Attacking play means being aggressive - focus on tactical thinking not aggression
- Limited innings means panic - teach calm urgency and strategic thinking
- Good players don't need to communicate - emphasise teamwork importance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, clear roles and responsibilities, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent rules and expectations
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, clear verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations and signals, written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher at all times
physical disability
- Adapted equipment such as lighter bats or larger balls, modified field sizes, inclusive fielding positions
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Communication skills, teamwork vocabulary, following and giving instructions
Maths
Scoring systems, counting rounders and half-rounders, measuring distances for field setup
Science
Forces in throwing and hitting, trajectory of balls, body systems during exercise
PSHE
Teamwork, resilience under pressure, managing competitive emotions, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between activities to provide individual coaching, position centrally during demonstrations
Observation Focus
Watch for technique development, tactical application, and positive team dynamics
Intervention Points
Step in if bowling becomes unsafe, if students show poor sportsmanship, or if activities lose focus
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in showing good examples
Verbal Cues
- •'Step and swing!'
- •'Run with urgency!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
- •'Great tactical thinking!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m outdoor area or large sports hall with high ceiling
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes or obstacles, safe for running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rounders bats for damage or splinters
- •Ensure balls are in good condition
- •Bases/markers securely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to players
- •Collisions during running
- •Bat-related injuries
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear field boundaries and safe distances established
- •Controlled bowling pace appropriate for age group
- •Backstop positioning behind batters
- •Progressive skill building before competitive games
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all activities
- •Monitor bowling pace and accuracy
- •Watch for signs of fatigue in competitive games
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess and provide appropriate first aid, move other students to safe area