Lesson 5 - Base Running & Overtakes
Advanced Tactics & Play
•Year 6
•Rounders
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can we use communication and tactical awareness to ensure all batters successfully run around bases without being overtaken?
Learning Objectives
- Identify when a fellow batter is at risk of being overtaken around bases
- Apply simple tactics to ensure all batters make it round bases to avoid overtakes
- Apply the rule which states once you leave a base as a batter you must run on
Key Outcomes
- Students will successfully identify and respond to overtaking situations during batting
- Students will demonstrate effective communication and tactical play to support team batting
- Students will apply rounders batting rules accurately in game situations
Equipment & Resources Required
Store safely at batting area when not in use
Alternative: Tennis racquets, cricket bats
Set up two diamond formations 12m apart
Alternative: Hoops, marker discs
Scatter around warm-up area for speed activity
Alternative: Coloured bibs, laminated cards
Position near bowler area for ball collection
Alternative: Large cones, marked areas
Key Vocabulary
When a batter runs past another batter on the bases, which is against the rules
Moving between the four bases in rounders after hitting the ball
Calling out information to help teammates make good decisions
Where fielders position themselves to stop runs being scored
A complete run around all four bases, scoring maximum points
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic running technique and spatial awareness
- Understanding of base positions in rounders
- Basic ball handling and fielding skills from previous lessons
Current Skills
- Tactical awareness in batting situations
- Communication skills during team play
- Understanding overtaking rules and their application
Next Steps
- Advanced game strategies and field placement
- Umpiring and officiating skills
- Leadership roles in competitive rounders matches
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Emphasise that communication prevents overtaking and ensures team success
- Demonstrate clear base running technique with proper spacing and post touching
- Build tactical awareness about when to run fast and when to wait
- Reinforce that overtaking rules apply even under game pressure
- Encourage positive, clear communication that helps the whole team
- Connect different running speeds to tactical advantages in rounders
- Show how effective communication creates better team performance than individual speed
Common Misconceptions
- Students thinking faster runners should always go first - explain that order matters and communication solves speed differences
- Believing overtaking rules don't apply in games - reinforce that rules are consistent across all activities
- Assuming communication is only needed when problems arise - teach proactive communication for prevention
- Thinking individual speed is more important than team tactics - emphasise collective success
- Believing they can't run fast if someone is ahead - show how tactical spacing allows appropriate speeds
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments with clear transitions, provide specific roles with defined responsibilities, use movement breaks between explanations
dyspraxia
- Simplify base running to 3 bases initially, provide extra practice time for coordination, use larger, softer balls for better success
autism spectrum
- Provide clear routine structure for game rotations, use visual schedule for lesson progression, offer quiet observation role if overwhelmed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured cones for bases, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, assign sighted buddy for base running guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals alongside verbal communication, provide written instruction cards, demonstrate all communication calls with gestures
physical disability
- Adapt base running to walking pace or wheelchair routes, modify relay distances, provide alternative communication roles such as team coordinator
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Developing vocabulary for tactical communication, using imperative verbs for clear instructions, practising persuasive language for team motivation
Maths
Estimating speeds and distances for tactical base running, counting runs scored and comparing team performances, calculating time intervals during relay challenges
Science
Understanding forces and motion during running and ball throwing, exploring friction between feet and ground surface, investigating reaction times for communication
Geography
Using directional language for base running routes, understanding spatial relationships between bases, mapping movement patterns around the pitch
PSHE
Developing communication skills and active listening, building teamwork and cooperation, showing respect for rules and fair play
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between both rounders pitches during activities, position centrally during demonstrations for maximum visibility
Observation Focus
Watch for application of overtaking rules, quality of communication, tactical decision-making during base running
Intervention Points
Step in if overtaking situations arise, if communication breaks down, or if safety concerns develop
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing base running technique, emphasise communication voices that can be heard across the pitch
Verbal Cues
- •'Communicate with your teammates!'
- •'Remember the overtaking rule!'
- •'Think tactically about your running speed!'
- •'Use your communication calls!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m for two rounders pitches, clear of obstacles and hazards
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, stones or slippery areas that could cause falls
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check rounders bats have no cracks or splinters
- •Ensure balls are appropriate weight and not too hard
- •Verify bases are stable and clearly visible
- •Position collection boxes away from running routes
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions between runners during base running
- •Trips and falls during relay activities
- •Ball strikes during batting and fielding
- •Overexertion during extended running activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear communication about running routes and spacing
- •Establish safe base running technique with proper spacing
- •Enforce overtaking rules to prevent collisions
- •Progressive build-up of activity intensity
- •Regular hydration breaks during extended activities
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of both rounders pitches
- •Monitor closely during game application phase
- •Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety
- •Ensure proper technique during batting activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact emergency services if required