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Lesson 1 - Catching and Throwing Accuracy

Leadership in Rounders

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Year 6

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can we use catching and throwing skills together to perform effective sequences in striking and fielding games?

Learning Objectives

Develop accurate throwing techniques with appropriate force and direction
Master catching with soft hands and proper positioning
Apply catching and throwing skills in combination during game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate underarm and overarm throwing techniques
Students will catch balls consistently using correct hand positioning and body alignment
Students will link catching and throwing skills effectively in game sequences

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Stored in equipment bag at side of area

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for students needing softer equipment

Cones

30 cones (6 per group for warm-up)

Set 20m from starting line, 5m apart for peripheral vision running

Alternative: Markers, hoops, or chalk marks on ground

Sun Markers

3 sets for Danish Long Ball courts

Three courts marked with clear throwing line and end zones

Alternative: Chalk lines, rope, or natural boundaries

Stopwatch

For timing 45-second challenge and game rotations

Alternative: Mobile phone timer, classroom clock with second hand

Key Vocabulary

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that cushion the ball's impact when catching

W-grip

Hand position for catching with thumbs together forming a W shape

Peripheral vision

Awareness of surroundings while focusing on the ball

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm moving over the shoulder

Underarm throw

Throwing technique with arm swinging under and forward

Target hands

Positioned hands that show thrower where to aim

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling skills
Understanding of underarm throwing technique
Experience with simple catching activities

Current Skills

Accurate throwing into space
Catching with soft hands using W-grip
Moving to catch balls and linking skills in sequences

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and strategies
Batting techniques and timing
Tactical understanding of striking and fielding games

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching success rate of 80% or higher

Accurate throwing to target from various distances

Smooth transition between catching and throwing movements

Key Teaching Points

Soft hands technique is crucial for consistent catching success
Throwing accuracy improves with proper grip and follow-through
Moving to catch requires weight on balls of feet and good balance
Communication is essential for effective fielding in game situations
Practice under pressure prepares students for real game applications
Peer assessment develops both technical knowledge and social skills
Safety in striking and fielding games requires constant awareness

Common Misconceptions

Harder catching leads to more secure catches - actually soft hands prevent rebounds
Throwing harder always means throwing further - technique and accuracy are more important
Only the catcher needs to watch the ball - throwers must also track their throws
Game rules can be bent for advantage - fair play and safety rules are non-negotiable
Individual skill is more important than teamwork - games require both personal skill and team cooperation

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with clear transitions, regular movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, lighter balls initially, reduced complexity in catching patterns, extra practice time for skill development

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routines, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available for regulation breaks

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball location, assign sighted buddy for Danish Long Ball

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for game instructions, written rules displayed on boards

physical disability

Seated catching and throwing options, modified throwing distances, adapted scoring systems for Danish Long Ball

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting successful catches, measuring throwing distances, calculating scores in Danish Long Ball, timing activities

Science

Forces involved in throwing and catching, friction between ball and hands, trajectory and gravity effects on ball flight

Geography

Spatial awareness, directions and positioning, mapping court layouts and player positions

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills don't work first time, leadership during peer assessment activities

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all three game courts, rotate between courts for close observation

Observation Focus

Watch for correct catching technique, throwing accuracy, and safe game play during Danish Long Ball

Intervention Points

Step in when unsafe striking occurs, when technique deteriorates under pressure, or when students become frustrated

Demonstration Notes

Always demonstrate catching with exaggerated soft hands, show throwing techniques from side angle for clear arm action visibility

Verbal Cues

•'Soft hands, cushion the ball!'
•'Eyes on the ball all the way!'
•'Step and throw, follow through!'
•'Move your feet to get in line!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m for three Danish Long Ball courts plus warm-up space

Surface Check

Level, dry surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for damage and proper inflation
•Cones inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Court boundaries clearly marked and visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head during Danish Long Ball
•Collisions during peripheral vision running
•Trips and falls on uneven surface
•Overexertion during continuous activity

Risk Mitigation

•Strict enforcement of below head-height striking rule
•Clear movement patterns established during warm-up
•Adequate spacing between all activities
•Regular water breaks and intensity monitoring

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all three courts
•Actively monitor Danish Long Ball for safe play
•Watch for signs of fatigue or overexertion

Emergency Procedures

Immediate stop signal, assessment of injury, appropriate first aid response, contact emergency services if required