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Lesson 2 - Tracking and Catching High Balls

Advanced Tactics & Play

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Year 6

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Rounders

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45 min

Big Question

How can we position ourselves perfectly to catch a high ball and use this skill tactically in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To track and catch a high ball consistently with correct body position
To apply catching skills strategically in competitive rounders games
To demonstrate improved fielding techniques under pressure

Key Outcomes

Students will position themselves accurately under high balls
Students will catch high balls with correct hand position and body alignment
Students will apply catching skills effectively during competitive rounders play

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Extra balls available at boundary for quick collection

Alternative: Soft-touch balls, foam balls for less confident catchers

Rounders Posts and Bases

4 per pitch (12 total)

Arranged in diamond formation 12 metres apart

Alternative: Sports cones, hoops, or marked areas

Rounders Equipment

2 per team (6 total)

Stored safely away from play area when not batting

Alternative: Tennis racquets, cricket bats

Bibs

15 (for team identification)

Two different colours to distinguish teams

Alternative: Different coloured t-shirts, armbands

Key Vocabulary

Tracking

Following the path of the ball with your eyes while moving to the correct position

Ready hands

Hands positioned like a cup with fingers spread, ready to catch

Base position

Standing directly underneath where the ball will land

Safe hands

Bringing the ball securely to the chest after catching

Fielding pressure

The urgency to catch and return the ball quickly to prevent runs

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching with two hands
Understanding of rounders basic rules
Experience with ball tracking activities

Current Skills

Advanced ball tracking and spatial awareness
High ball catching with correct body position
Strategic application in competitive games

Next Steps

Catching on the move and under pressure
Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Leading team defensive strategies

Milestone Indicators

Consistently positions under high balls within 2 seconds

Catches 7/10 high balls with correct technique

Successfully gets opponents out using high ball catches

Key Teaching Points

Eyes must track the ball throughout its entire flight path for successful positioning
Correct body position underneath the ball is more important than hand position
Communication between fielders prevents collisions and ensures team coordination
Catching technique must be maintained even under competitive pressure
Progressive skill building develops confidence before applying in game situations
Positive reinforcement for effort and technique encourages risk-taking and improvement
Safety awareness and controlled play prevents injuries during dynamic activities

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking they need to reach for the ball rather than positioning underneath it - emphasise moving feet, not stretching arms
Believing harder hits/throws are better - explain that controlled, catchable balls lead to more successful practice
Assuming successful catches are more important than good technique - reward effort and proper form over results
Thinking catching is only about hands - highlight the importance of body position, balance, and movement
Believing competitive games don't require technique focus - maintain skill emphasis even during exciting gameplay

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and expectations, use movement breaks between static activities

dyspraxia

Simplify movement patterns, provide extra practice time, use larger equipment, break down skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear visual schedule of activities, establish quiet zones for breaks, use consistent routines and signals

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, establish buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for game instructions, demonstrate all techniques clearly, establish hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modify catching positions (seated/supported), use larger/softer balls, adapt throwing distances and heights

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Communication skills for calling catches, descriptive language for technique feedback, following and giving instructions

Maths

Estimating distances and heights, calculating angles of ball flight, measuring pitch dimensions and scoring statistics

Science

Forces acting on balls in flight, gravity effects on trajectory, physics of catching and impact

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, understanding of directions and field layout, mapping movement patterns

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when facing challenges, managing emotions in competitive situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between practice areas and games to provide feedback and ensure safety, position for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct catching technique, safe fielding communication, and positive team interactions

Intervention Points

Step in if unsafe play occurs, provide technique reminders during practice, mediate any conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate with students for peer learning, break down complex skills into simple steps

Verbal Cues

•'Track the ball with your eyes!'
•'Get underneath - like an umbrella!'
•'Ready hands - make a cup!'
•'Call 'mine' loudly and clearly!'
•'Technique first, catching second!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple rounders pitches, clear of obstacles and boundaries

Surface Check

Dry, even surface suitable for running and catching activities, free from holes or debris

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
•Ensure bats/racquets have secure grips and no damage
•Verify cones/posts are stable and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball impact injuries during catching practice
•Collisions between fielders going for same ball
•Bat-related injuries during game play
•Slips and falls during rapid movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear communication protocols for calling catches
•Adequate spacing between practice areas and games
•Controlled hitting/throwing to prevent dangerous ball speeds
•Progressive skill building to build confidence

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all catching practice areas
•Monitor game areas for safe play and communication
•Watch for signs of fatigue affecting safety

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if needed