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Lesson 4 - Fielding as Pairs for Long Balls

Advanced Tactics & Play

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Year 6

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Rounders

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50 min

Big Question

How can strategic fielding partnerships transform defensive play in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To track and retrieve balls over distance using pair work to restrict scoring
To identify tactical opportunities for pair fielding on long balls
To explain how effective fielding partnerships reduce rounders scored

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully field long balls using coordinated pair work
Students will demonstrate tactical decision-making in fielding positions
Students will explain the strategic advantages of team fielding

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

4 sets

Distributed in central 'nest' area for starter activity

Alternative: Tennis balls, soft cricket balls

Hoops

6-8

Positioned as team bases around nest area

Alternative: Cones, rope circles

Tennis racquets or rounders bats

8-10

Available for hitting practice and game application

Alternative: Cricket bats, paddle bats

Cones

20-25

Mark boundaries, bases, and distance markers

Alternative: Markers, bibs

Key Vocabulary

Pair fielding

Two fielders working together strategically to retrieve and return long balls

Strategic positioning

Placing fielders in optimal positions to intercept and return balls quickly

Defensive tactics

Planned fielding strategies designed to prevent runs and restrict scoring

Ball tracking

Following the flight path of the ball to position for optimal fielding

Communication signals

Clear verbal and visual cues between fielding partners

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm and underarm throwing techniques
Individual ball retrieval and return skills
Understanding of rounders scoring system

Current Skills

Coordinated pair fielding for long balls
Strategic positioning and communication
Tactical decision-making in fielding

Next Steps

Advanced team fielding formations
Pressure fielding under match conditions
Leadership in defensive strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throws over 15 metres

Effective communication with fielding partner

Quick tactical decision-making in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Pair fielding is faster than individual retrieval - emphasise speed advantage through throwing
Communication between fielding partners is essential - establish clear calling signals
Strategic positioning before the ball is hit improves fielding success significantly
Quick tactical decisions about throw destination (bowler vs base) are crucial under pressure
Reading the batter's body position helps predict ball direction and improve positioning
Relay fielding technique requires accurate throws and trustworthy partnerships
Game application should reinforce all tactical learning in realistic pressure situations

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: Running back with the ball is always faster than throwing - Correction: Demonstrate time difference between throwing to partner vs running back
Misconception: Both fielders should chase the same ball - Correction: Show how one retrieves while other positions for relay
Misconception: Fielding pairs work the same way regardless of batter - Correction: Teach adaptation based on batter tendencies and game situation
Misconception: Communication is only needed when things go wrong - Correction: Emphasise pre-planning and constant communication throughout play
Misconception: The closest fielder should always retrieve the ball - Correction: Explain tactical positioning and relay advantages

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments with clear completion points, provide regular movement breaks, assign specific leadership roles to maintain focus

dyspraxia

Simplify coordination requirements initially, provide extra practice time for motor skills, use larger equipment and reduce complexity of movements

autism spectrum

Provide clear, predictable routines for each activity, offer quiet reflection time, use visual schedules showing lesson progression

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of fielding positions, assign sighted fielding partner for guidance

hearing impairment

Establish clear visual signals for communication, use hand signals for throw destinations, provide written strategy cards for reference

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances and heights, allow seated fielding positions where appropriate, modify running requirements to individual capabilities

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Estimating distances for optimal fielder positioning, calculating angles for most effective throws, measuring reaction times and comparing strategies

Science

Understanding forces in throwing technique, exploring trajectory and ball flight physics, examining human body systems during sustained activity

Geography

Using directional language and spatial awareness, mapping fielding positions and movement patterns, understanding concepts of area coverage

PSHE

Developing leadership skills through organising fielding partnerships, building resilience when strategies don't work immediately, managing competitive emotions positively

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Mobile positioning to observe different groups, spend time at hitting stations for safety, position for maximum visibility during game application

Observation Focus

Watch for effective communication between fielding pairs, monitor throwing technique under pressure, assess tactical decision-making speed

Intervention Points

Step in if fielders not communicating effectively, provide additional guidance if tactical understanding is lacking, adjust activities if safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements to show positioning, involve students in demonstrations to reinforce learning, repeat key demonstrations if understanding appears unclear

Verbal Cues

•'Talk to your partner - who's going for the ball?'
•'Position yourself halfway for the relay!'
•'Quick decision - bowler or base?'
•'Remember, throwing is faster than running!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 30m for full activities, additional space needed for full rounders pitch

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and rapid direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats/racquets for damage before use
•Ensure balls are in good condition and appropriate weight
•Inspect cones and posts for sharp edges or stability issues

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from hitting activities
•Collisions during rapid fielding movements
•Throwing arm strain from repeated overhead throws
•Slips and falls during quick direction changes

Risk Mitigation

•Clear hitting zones with adequate boundaries marked
•Establish 'no fielders in hitting zone' rule during batting
•Progressive warm-up focusing on throwing muscles
•Ensure adequate recovery time between high-intensity activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe hitting area and fielding zones simultaneously
•Monitor for signs of fatigue affecting technique and safety
•Watch for students overexerting during throwing activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation and provide appropriate first aid, ensure other students are safely positioned away from incident