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Lesson 4 - Fielding Communication Skills

Leadership in Rounders

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Year 6

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Rounders

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Big Question

How can effective communication and positioning transform a fielding team's defensive strategy?

Learning Objectives

Develop communication skills between fielders and with batsmen/women
Master the technique of backing up fellow fielders in the outfield
Apply batting and running rules when moving between bases

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate effective communication during fielding situations
Students will position themselves correctly to back up teammates
Students will link multiple skills to create fluid sequences of movement

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

6-8

Distributed around practice areas

Alternative: Tennis balls, softball

Cones

Set up bases and practice areas

Alternative: Markers, spots

Bases

Create two small game areas

Alternative: Cones, markers

Bibs

Distinguish teams during games

Alternative: Team bands

Key Vocabulary

Backing up

Positioning behind a fielder to collect missed balls or overthrows

First bounce

Throwing the ball so it bounces once before reaching the target

Peripheral vision

Seeing and being aware of movement at the edges of your vision

Communication

Clear verbal instructions between teammates during play

Backstop

The fielder positioned behind the batting area to collect missed balls

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic rounders rules and positions
Fundamental throwing and catching techniques
Simple batting and running skills

Current Skills

Advanced fielding communication
Backing up and support positioning
First bounce retrieval technique

Next Steps

Complex tactical decision-making
Advanced game strategies
Leadership in competitive situations

Milestone Indicators

Consistent first bounce returns

Proactive backing up positioning

Clear tactical communication

Key Teaching Points

Approach balls on the outside of the dominant foot for optimal pickup and throwing position
First bounce throws are faster and more accurate than direct throws over long distances
Backing up requires positioning 10 yards behind in direct line with the throw
Communication between fielders and batsmen is essential for tactical success
Maintain technique under pressure rather than sacrificing quality for speed
Link multiple skills together to create fluid sequences of movement
Risk vs reward decision-making when choosing how many bases to run

Common Misconceptions

Thinking direct throws are always faster than first bounce throws
Believing backing up means standing anywhere behind the play
Assuming louder communication is always better communication
Thinking individual brilliance is more important than team coordination
Believing speed is more important than technique in fielding
Assuming tactical decisions can wait until you have the ball
Thinking backing up is only needed for weak fielders

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries and rules, use movement breaks between static activities, assign specific leadership roles

dyspraxia

Allow extra practice time for complex movements, break down skills into smaller steps, provide physical guidance for positioning, use larger equipment

autism spectrum

Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedules for rotations, create quiet zones for breaks, give advance warning of changes

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of all demonstrations, pair with sighted buddy for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Use visual signals for instructions, provide written game rules, demonstrate all communication techniques visually, use hand signals for tactical calls

physical disability

Adapt throwing distances, allow seated fielding positions, provide larger/softer balls, modify running requirements to walking or wheeling

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Clear communication skills, listening and responding appropriately, vocabulary development for sporting terms and tactical language

Maths

Calculate angles for optimal throwing, measure distances for backing up positioning, score calculation and risk assessment (points gained vs lost)

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight and bouncing, trajectory calculation for first bounce throws, physics of momentum in running and stopping

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, map reading skills for field placement, understanding of direction and distance relationships

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership development, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between both game areas during competition, position at corner for maximum visibility during skills practice

Observation Focus

Watch for quality of communication, backing up positioning accuracy, and technique maintenance under pressure

Intervention Points

Step in when technique breaks down under pressure, guide communication development, ensure fair play in competitive elements

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for pickup technique, show backing up positioning clearly, model good communication examples throughout lesson

Verbal Cues

•'Approach on outside of foot!'
•'First bounce, aim halfway!'
•'Get behind your teammate!'
•'Communicate with your batsman!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 40m x 30m for two game areas

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from hazards and adequate grip for running

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check rounders bats for cracks or splinters
•Ensure balls are appropriate weight and condition
•Secure bases to prevent slipping

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during running
•Bat contact injuries
•Slips and falls during dynamic movement

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing directions established and maintained
•Safe bat handling protocols enforced
•Adequate spacing between game areas
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of both game areas
•Monitor bat usage and ball direction
•Watch for fatigue affecting technique
•Ensure communication doesn't become shouting

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact office if serious injury occurs