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Lesson 5 - Fielding Skills

Foundations to Champions

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Year 6

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can I choose the right fielding technique to help my team stop the opposition from scoring?

Learning Objectives

To develop a variety of fielding techniques including two-handed pick up, retrieve and throw, and deep catching
To select and apply appropriate fielding techniques based on game situations
To demonstrate effective fielding in competitive rounders gameplay

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate competent use of three different fielding techniques
Students will make tactical decisions about fielding positions and techniques
Students will apply fielding skills effectively in a mini rounders game

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Use to mark out rounders pitches, bases, and bowling squares

Alternative: Markers, spots, or chalk lines for boundaries

Rounders Equipment

Store safely in designated area when not in use

Alternative: Tennis rackets for easier batting option

Tennis Balls

Check condition before use, replace worn balls

Alternative: Foam balls for safety, cricket balls for advanced students

Clues Document

1 per group

Laminated sheets for outdoor use

Alternative: Visual prompt cards or demonstration videos

Key Vocabulary

Two-handed pick up

Fielding technique where both hands work together to scoop up a rolling ball

Retrieve and throw

Fielding technique used when chasing a ball that has gone past you

Deep catching

Catching technique for high balls using thumbs together and tracking

Backstop

Fielding position behind the batter to collect missed balls

Stumped out

When a fielder touches the base with the ball before a running batter reaches it

Body alignment

Positioning your body in line with the direction of the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic overarm throwing technique
Understanding of rounders basic rules
Experience with ball tracking and catching

Current Skills

Two-handed pick up and throw technique
Retrieve and throw with body positioning
Deep catching with proper hand positioning
Tactical awareness in fielding positions

Next Steps

Advanced fielding tactics and communication
Fielding under pressure in competitive situations
Leadership and coaching of fielding techniques

Milestone Indicators

Can demonstrate all three fielding techniques with correct form

Shows tactical understanding of when to use each technique

Communicates effectively with teammates during fielding

Key Teaching Points

Cup hands with little fingers touching for two-handed pickup technique
Same foot as throwing hand goes next to ball for retrieve and throw
Thumbs together forming triangle window for deep catching
Move feet to get body behind or under the ball - don't reach
Quick, accurate return to bowler stops batters advancing bases
Start fielding positions further back - it's easier to move forward than backwards
Communicate with teammates about who is taking each ball

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that staying still and reaching for balls is more effective than moving feet to get into position
Believing that throwing harder is always better than throwing accurately to the right person
Assuming that standing close to the batter gives better fielding opportunities
Thinking that one fielding technique works for all situations rather than selecting appropriate technique
Believing that individual fielding skill is more important than team communication and positioning

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with more frequent changes, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback and movement breaks

dyspraxia

Break down techniques into smaller steps, use larger equipment initially, allow extra practice time and patience

autism spectrum

Clear structured routines for each activity, visual schedule of lesson sections, quiet zone available if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Seated fielding positions, modified throwing distances, use of larger or lighter balls as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Calculating distances between bases, measuring throwing accuracy, timing activities and counting in team challenges

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory of balls, balance and body positioning, reaction times and coordination

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, mapping field positions, understanding angles and directions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and sportsmanship, resilience when learning new skills, leadership in team situations

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between groups during skills practice, central position during games to observe all students

Observation Focus

Technique quality, tactical understanding, safety awareness, inclusion of all students

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, provide additional support for struggling students, enhance challenge for advanced learners

Demonstration Notes

Use slow-motion demonstrations for technique clarity, involve confident students in demonstrations, relate all techniques to game situations

Verbal Cues

•'Cup your hands!'
•'Get your body behind the ball!'
•'Quick return to the bowler!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for multiple rounders pitches, clear overhead space for high ball practice

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or obstacles that could cause trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls for damage before use
•Ensure rounders bats are not cracked or splintered
•Cones placed securely without sharp edges exposed

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes during throwing and catching activities
•Collisions between students during fielding or running
•Trips or falls when chasing balls
•Overexertion during intense fielding activities

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and safe distances between groups
•Controlled throwing activities with appropriate spacing
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Regular checking of student understanding and technique

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to oversee all fielding activities simultaneously
•Monitor high-energy game activities closely
•Check on students who may be struggling with techniques

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately on 'STOP' command, assess any injuries, provide appropriate first aid, contact school procedures if needed