Lesson 1 - Throwing and Catching with Accuracy
Foundations to Champions
•Year 6
•Rounders
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How can we use accurate throwing and catching skills to become successful rounders players?
Learning Objectives
- To consistently throw overarm with accuracy to a target
- To catch a ball reliably in game situations using correct technique
- To apply throwing and catching skills effectively in rounders gameplay
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate accurate overarm throwing technique consistently
- Students will successfully catch balls in pressured game situations
- Students will understand tactical applications of throwing and catching in rounders
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed in baskets around area perimeter for easy access
Alternative: Rubber balls, cricket balls (soft)
Different colour to tennis balls for easy identification
Alternative: Coloured tennis balls, foam balls
Various colours for different activities, stored in cone carriers
Alternative: Marker discs, plastic bottles
Medium sized hoops placed strategically around playing area
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a high arc
The fielding position behind the batter who catches missed balls
A full point scored by running around all bases without stopping
The safe positions (marked by cones) that runners must reach
Absorbing the impact of the ball when catching by moving hands backwards
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling and coordination skills
- Understanding of simple throwing movements
- Experience with partner ball activities
Current Skills
- Accurate overarm throwing technique with consistent follow-through
- Reliable catching using proper hand positioning and cushioning
- Application of skills in competitive rounders situations
Next Steps
- Advanced tactical rounders gameplay and field positioning
- Bowling technique and spin variations
- Team strategy and communication in competitive matches
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Overarm throwing requires opposite foot forward, elbow above shoulder, and fingertip grip
- Successful catching needs eyes on ball, feet moving to position, and soft hands to cushion impact
- Tactical awareness in rounders involves observing field positions before throwing
- Accurate throwing is more important than powerful throwing for game success
- Communication and teamwork are essential for effective fielding
- Fair play and positive sportsmanship enhance everyone's enjoyment
- Progressive challenges help develop confidence alongside skill improvement
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power is more important than accuracy in throwing - emphasise control first
- Believing catching is just about hands - teach whole body positioning
- Assuming all throws should be overarm - explain when underarm is more appropriate
- Not understanding that running backwards from catches - clarify this tactical advantage
- Thinking faster throwing always means better scores - demonstrate rhythm and consistency
- Believing individual skills matter more than teamwork - highlight collaborative success
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent movement opportunities, use clear boundaries and immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Use larger equipment for easier coordination, allow extra practice time, provide step-by-step movement breakdown with visual cues
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure with visual timetables, establish quiet zones for overwhelm, use consistent routines and predictable progressions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls with high contrast, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, implement buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual signals for instructions, provide written rule summaries, ensure face-to-face communication for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify throwing distances based on ability, allow seated throwing and catching, use larger balls for easier handling
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for throwing practice, counting successful catches, calculating team scores and averages
Science
Forces and motion in throwing actions, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight, reaction times in catching
Geography
Understanding directions and spatial awareness, mapping field positions and movement patterns
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with competitive pressure, showing respect for opponents and officials
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move continuously around area, position at corners for visibility, stay outside throwing zones for safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct technique, safety awareness, positive interactions, understanding of rules
Intervention Points
["Step in immediately for unsafe throwing or catching", "Provide individual coaching for students struggling with technique", "Manage competitive tensions with positive redirection", "Clarify rules confusion before it affects game flow"]
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements for visibility, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison, involve confident students in demonstrations
Verbal Cues
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Elbow high like scratching your head!'
- •'Soft hands like catching an egg!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 40m area for multiple mini rounders pitches plus throwing practice zones
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from holes, obstacles or hazards that could cause slips or trips
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls are in good condition without cracks
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or damage
- •Verify hoops are intact without broken sections
- •Beanbags properly sewn with no loose filling
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body during throwing practice
- •Collisions between students during running or catching
- •Trips and falls during base running
- •Overexertion during competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear throwing zones established with adequate spacing
- •Controlled throwing speeds appropriate to skill level
- •Proper warm-up to prepare muscles for activity
- •Clear rules about safe play and stopping signals
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all throwing activities
- •Monitor high-energy activities like Race the Ball
- •Check understanding of safety rules before each activity
- •Immediate intervention for unsafe behaviour
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if needed