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Lesson 6 - Tournament Play & Tactics

Advanced Tactics & Play

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Year 6

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can we combine all our rounders skills to compete effectively as a team in tournament play?

Learning Objectives

Use a range of defensive and attacking tactics in competitive game situations
Apply simple rounders rules consistently during tournament play
Demonstrate strategic thinking when positioning fielders for different batters

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully implement tactical decisions during tournament games
Students will officiate games using correct rounders rules
Students will adapt fielding positions based on batter analysis

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

8-10 bats (variety of sizes)

Extra balls available for quick game continuation

Alternative: Tennis balls if rounders balls unavailable

Markers Cones

16 cones (4 per pitch)

Clearly visible markers 15 yards apart in diamond formation

Alternative: Flat markers, hoops, or chalk circles

Dish Cones

22 cones

Clear field boundaries marked for each pitch

Alternative: Rope or painted lines if permanent pitch available

Clipboards

4 clipboards with pencils

One per game for students to track scores

Alternative: Whiteboards or paper scoring sheets

Bibs

2 sets of different coloured bibs per game

Clear team identification for tournament play

Alternative: Bands, sashes, or pre-arranged team clothing

Key Vocabulary

Tournament

A competition where teams play multiple games to determine overall winner

Tactics

Planned strategies used to gain advantage over opponents

Round-robin

Tournament format where every team plays every other team once

Field positioning

Strategic placement of fielders based on batter tendencies and game situation

Officiating

Acting as referee or umpire to ensure fair play and rule compliance

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Can perform basic batting, bowling and fielding skills
Understands fundamental rounders rules
Can work effectively in team situations

Current Skills

Applying tactics in competitive situations
Making strategic decisions during games
Officiating using complete rule set

Next Steps

Advanced tactical analysis and game reading
Leadership roles in organising tournaments
Coaching and mentoring younger students

Milestone Indicators

Consistently makes good tactical decisions under pressure

Can explain tactical reasoning to teammates

Adapts strategy based on game situation

Key Teaching Points

Tactical awareness is as important as individual skill execution
Tournament play requires adaptation and resilience throughout multiple games
Sportsmanship and team cooperation are essential for tournament success
Rule application must be consistent and fair across all games
Leadership opportunities should be distributed among all students
Personal improvement and effort are celebrated alongside competitive results
Strategic thinking develops through experience and reflection

Common Misconceptions

Believing tournament success depends only on individual skill rather than team tactics
Thinking the same strategy works against all opponents
Assuming winning is the only measure of success in competitive play
Misunderstanding that rounders rules are flexible rather than fixed
Believing that competitive pressure excuses poor sportsmanship
Thinking tactical decisions should never be changed during games

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear role definitions during games, regular positive feedback, opportunities for different responsibilities throughout tournament

dyspraxia

Extra time for skill execution, simplified tactical instructions, focus on personal improvement rather than comparison

autism spectrum

Clear tournament structure explained visually, quiet area available if needed, predictable game routines established

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide detailed verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system with sighted peers

hearing impairment

Clear visual signals for umpiring decisions, written rule cards available, ensure facing student when giving instructions

physical disability

Adapted batting techniques, modified running distances, specialised equipment as needed, alternative scoring roles

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Tournament points calculations, distance estimation for field positioning, angles of batting and bowling

Science

Forces in batting and ball flight, body systems during sustained exercise, energy transfer in ball sports

Geography

Spatial awareness and field positioning, understanding of angles and directions in game context

PSHE

Leadership skills, resilience under pressure, cooperation in competitive situations, celebrating others' success

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move strategically between two pitches to observe all games, position near batting areas during high-risk moments

Observation Focus

Monitor tactical decision-making, skill execution under pressure, and sportsmanship throughout tournament

Intervention Points

Step in for safety concerns, rule disputes, or when teams need tactical guidance

Demonstration Notes

Be ready to demonstrate rule applications, umpire signals, and tactical adjustments when needed during games

Verbal Cues

•'Great tactical thinking, team!'
•'Excellent sportsmanship - that's championship behaviour!'
•'Adapt your field position for this batter!'
•'Remember to communicate with your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large sports hall or outdoor space allowing two full rounders pitches with minimum 5-metre safety zones

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from hazards, adequate grip for running and sudden direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or splinters before use
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Verify base markers are secure and visible
•Check boundary markers won't cause tripping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from powerful batting
•Collisions between runners and fielders
•Overexertion during competitive play
•Disputes leading to unsafe behaviour

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established with adequate safety zones
•Umpires positioned for optimal safety and visibility
•Regular breaks to prevent overexertion
•Strong emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Teacher moves between games to monitor both pitches
•Particular attention to batting areas for safety
•Monitor emotional responses to competitive pressure
•Ensure umpires are positioned safely

Emergency Procedures

Clear stop signal established, first aid kit accessible, procedure for managing disputes or injuries during games