⚾

Lesson 1 - Rounders Skills Refinement

Tactical Thinking Skills

•

Year 6

•

Rounders

•

Big Question

How can we use our Year 5 knowledge to become more tactical and strategic players in rounders?

Learning Objectives

To consolidate and refine rounders skills from Year 5
To demonstrate accurate throwing techniques both underarm and overarm
To understand and apply tactical positioning when batting and fielding

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate improved accuracy in throwing and fielding
Students will make tactical decisions about running and fielding positions
Students will work collaboratively to organise effective team strategies

Equipment & Resources Required

Rounders Equipment

4-6

Distributed to team captains before game starts

Alternative: Tennis balls or soft cricket balls

Cones

4 bases per pitch, clearly visible and secure

Alternative: Marker spots or hoops

Bibs

Different colours for each team

Alternative: Coloured bands or house colours

Key Vocabulary

Backing up

Supporting a fielder by positioning behind them in case they miss the ball

Stumping

Getting a batter out by touching the base with the ball before they arrive

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm coming over the shoulder for distance and speed

Underarm bowl

Gentle bowling technique using pendulum arm motion for accuracy

Fielding positions

Strategic placement of fielders to cover the playing area effectively

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm bowling and catching from Year 5
Understanding of rounders scoring system
Basic fielding positions and roles

Current Skills

Accurate overarm and underarm throwing
Tactical decision making in batting and fielding
Team organisation and strategy

Next Steps

Advanced tactical play in competitive rounders
Umpiring and leadership roles
Adapting strategies for different opponents

Milestone Indicators

Consistent accurate throws to wicket-keeper

Making correct decisions about when to run

Organising team fielding positions without teacher input

Key Teaching Points

Emphasise tactical decision-making over just skill execution
Develop accuracy in throwing before increasing power or distance
Encourage constant communication between team members
Use backing up as essential strategy, not optional extra
Promote quick ball movement rather than individual running
Celebrate improvement and effort alongside achievement
Build on Year 5 knowledge rather than starting from scratch

Common Misconceptions

Thinking that hitting the ball hard is always better than tactical placement
Believing that only the person nearest the ball should field it
Assuming that running twice is always the best scoring option
Not understanding that missed balls still require running
Thinking that backing up means standing very close to teammates
Believing that only confident students can be team leaders

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback, movement breaks between intense activity

dyspraxia

Larger balls for easier catching, reduced throwing distances initially, extra practice time for skills

autism spectrum

Clear game structure and routine, visual schedules for game phases, quiet space if needed

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and cones, verbal descriptions of field layout, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual signals for game instructions, written rule reminders, clear sight lines to teacher

physical disability

Adapted batting techniques, modified running distances, wheelchair accessible base positions

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Scoring systems, angles of throws, distance estimation, data collection of team scores

Science

Forces in throwing, trajectory of balls, reaction times, body systems during exercise

Geography

Spatial awareness, mapping fielding positions, understanding of space and movement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, leadership skills, resilience when facing challenges

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between two pitches to observe both games, position at corners for maximum visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for accurate throwing technique, tactical decision-making, and team communication

Intervention Points

Step in if safety concerns arise, provide tactical coaching during natural breaks

Demonstration Notes

Use students as positive examples, demonstrate throwing techniques if accuracy drops

Verbal Cues

•'Quick release to base 4!'
•'Look for the gaps in fielding!'
•'Back up your teammate!'
•'Decide quickly - one run or two?'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or playground area, minimum 40m x 30m for two pitches with safety margins

Surface Check

Even surface free from water, debris, or holes that could cause slips or trips

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check bats have no splinters or cracks
•Ensure balls are properly inflated and not damaged
•Verify cones are stable and clearly visible

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions between players running bases
•Bat handling injuries
•Slips and falls during enthusiastic play

Risk Mitigation

•Clear safety line for batting team to maintain distance
•Emphasise careful bat handling and passing
•Adequate spacing between pitches
•Clear running paths around bases

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe both pitches simultaneously
•Monitor bat handling during team transitions
•Watch for overenthusiastic fielding causing collisions

Emergency Procedures

Stop game immediately if injury occurs, assess severity, apply appropriate first aid, contact office if necessary