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Lesson 6 - Long and Short Barriers in Fielding

Foundations to Champions

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Year 6

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can mastering fielding barriers make me an unbeatable defender in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To develop and refine long and short barrier techniques for effective fielding
To apply appropriate fielding barriers in game situations
To demonstrate consistent ball tracking and body positioning skills

Key Outcomes

Students will successfully execute long and short barriers in game situations
Students will track the ball effectively and position their body behind it
Students will select appropriate barrier techniques based on game context

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for marking goals, bases, and activity boundaries

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, or chalk lines for boundaries

Rounders Equipment

Check all bats for damage before use

Alternative: Tennis rackets for students needing easier option

Tennis Balls

Ensure balls are in good condition and visible colour

Alternative: Softer balls or larger balls for students with difficulties

Clues Document

1 per teacher

Reference material for teacher guidance during activities

Alternative: Visual prompt cards or demonstration videos

Key Vocabulary

Long barrier

A fielding technique where the fielder gets low with one knee touching the heel of the opposite foot to create a barrier that prevents the ball from passing through

Short barrier

A fielding technique using both hands to collect the ball with one foot placed behind as backup protection

Ball tracking

Moving your feet and body to stay in line with the ball's path

Body positioning

Placing your whole body behind the ball to create the best chance of successful collection

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batter to collect balls that are missed or hit backwards

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of rounders rules and positions
Experience with simple fielding techniques

Current Skills

Long barrier technique with proper body positioning
Short barrier technique with two-handed collection
Ball tracking and movement to intercept

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and responsibilities
Throwing accuracy under pressure
Tactical understanding of field placement

Milestone Indicators

Consistent heel-to-knee contact in long barrier

Two-handed ball collection in all situations

Effective ball tracking with body movement

Key Teaching Points

Body positioning behind the ball is crucial for successful fielding
Long barrier requires side-on position with knee touching heel
Short barrier uses two hands with protective foot placement
Ball tracking and movement must occur before barrier formation
Technique selection depends on ball speed and trajectory
Practice under pressure improves game application
Communication and teamwork enhance fielding effectiveness

Common Misconceptions

Students think barriers work without getting behind the ball first - emphasise tracking movement
Believing one barrier technique works for all situations - teach selection criteria
Thinking speed is more important than technique - reinforce quality over speed
Assuming barriers are just for rounders - highlight transferable skills to other sports
Misconception that fielding is less important than batting - emphasise defensive game impact

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts with clear transitions, regular movement opportunities, specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Slower movement patterns, larger equipment, extra practice time for coordination development

autism spectrum

Clear structure and routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, hand signals for communication

physical disability

Modified barrier positions (seated or supported), larger equipment, reduced distances

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances for positioning, calculating angles for ball trajectory, counting scores and statistics

Science

Forces and motion in ball movement, body mechanics in barrier positions, friction between ball and surface

Geography

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

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when techniques don't work first time, leadership through coaching others

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position during demonstrations, circulating during practice, between multiple games during application phase

Observation Focus

Barrier technique accuracy, ball tracking movement, tactical decision-making in games

Intervention Points

When students show poor technique repeatedly, when games become unbalanced, when safety concerns arise

Demonstration Notes

Exaggerate key positions for visibility, use contrast (correct vs incorrect), involve students in demonstrations where appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Track the ball with your feet!'
•'Choose your barrier - fast ball or slow ball?'
•'Get your body behind the ball first!'
•'Two hands together, one foot back!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for multiple activities simultaneously

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, stones, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all bats for cracks or damage before use
•Ensure tennis balls are in good condition and visible colour
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or damage

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during games
•Strain from long barrier position
•Ball strikes from poor fielding technique

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between different activities
•Adequate spacing maintained between pairs during practice
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic situations
•Proper warm-up and cool-down protocols

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position centrally for maximum visibility during skill practice
•Move between groups during game phases
•Monitor high-activity areas for collision risks

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed