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Lesson 5 - Base Running & Overtakes

Advanced Tactics & Play

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Year 6

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Rounders

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Big Question

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

Rounders Equipment

8-10

Store safely at batting area when not in use

Alternative: Tennis racquets, cricket bats

Cones

16 (4 sets of 4)

Set up two diamond formations 12m apart

Alternative: Hoops, marker discs

Coloured Cones

5 different colours

Scatter around warm-up area for speed activity

Alternative: Coloured bibs, laminated cards

Hoops

Position near bowler area for ball collection

Alternative: Large cones, marked areas

Key Vocabulary

Overtaking

When a batter runs past another batter on the bases, which is against the rules

Base running

Moving between the four bases in rounders after hitting the ball

Tactical communication

Calling out information to help teammates make good decisions

Fielding placement

Where fielders position themselves to stop runs being scored

Rounder

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

Consistently avoids overtaking situations through communication

Makes appropriate tactical decisions about when to run

Demonstrates clear understanding of batting rules in game play

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