Individual Skills to Team Strategy
•Year 8
•Rounders
•Distributed evenly across group areas for 'Empty the Yard' activity
Alternative: Foam balls for students with anxiety about catching, cricket balls for advanced extension
One per pair/group for controlled throwing practice
Alternative: Tennis balls can substitute if rounders balls unavailable
Available for students requiring support during striking activities
Alternative: Larger bat or hitting aid for SEND students
Mark boundaries for 'yard' areas, fielding zones, and safety zones
Alternative: Bibs, markers, or chalk lines for boundaries
Set up regulation diamond layout for game application
Alternative: Cones or markers if posts unavailable
Available for modified games requiring consistent ball placement
Alternative: Underarm feed from teacher or peer
Distinguish teams during competitive fielding games
Alternative: Team identification through positioning
A balanced stance with knees bent, weight on balls of feet, hands ready, and eyes watching the batter, preparing to react quickly to the ball
A throwing technique where the arm moves over the shoulder in a circular motion, used for longer distances and greater power
A throwing technique where the ball is released below waist height with an upward swinging motion, used for short, accurate throws
The post or base that fielders aim to throw the ball to in order to get a batter out or prevent them advancing
Calling clearly to teammates to coordinate fielding efforts, including claiming catches and directing throws
An illegal delivery in rounders that gives the batter advantages, requiring fielders to adjust their positioning
The essential techniques all rounders fielders need: ready position, catching, accurate throwing, retrieving, and positioning
Positioning behind a teammate to stop overthrows or missed catches, providing defensive support
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Technical vocabulary acquisition and usage. Giving clear instructions and explanations to peers. Active listening during instructions and feedback. Descriptive language when explaining tactics and techniques. Oracy development through discussions and peer teaching.
Measuring distances between bases for diamond setup (12 metres). Calculating angles for throwing trajectories and optimal throw paths. Collecting and analysing score data across multiple rounds. Time calculations for retrieval and release speed. Percentages when comparing team fielding effectiveness. Coordinate geometry understanding field positions.
Forces: throwing involves application of force, gravity affecting ball trajectory, friction between ball and hands/ground. Levers: arms as levers in throwing action, biomechanical advantages of technique. Newton's Laws: action-reaction in throwing, inertia of ball. Human body: muscular contractions for throwing, cardiovascular response during activity, warm-up and cool-down effects on body.
Directional language: north, south, east, west applied to fielding positions. Spatial awareness and mapping of field layout. Distance estimation across playing area. Using coordinates to describe fielding positions on diamond layout.
Teamwork and cooperation during fielding activities. Communication skills through calling and directing teammates. Resilience when making errors and continuing to participate. Leadership opportunities in organising teams and directing play. Fair play and sportsmanship in competitive situations. Respect for others' abilities and inclusive behaviour. Managing emotions under competitive pressure.
Stand in central position during multi-group activities for maximum visibility. During circle demonstrations, position so all students can see clearly with light source behind you not creating shadows. During Beat the Call game, stand at bowler's position or centrally between 2nd and 3rd base for complete field view. Circulate systematically during practice activities ensuring all students receive individual feedback. Mobile throughout lesson except during key instructions.
Prioritise safety first - watch for collisions, dangerous throws, and surface hazards. Then observe technique: throwing arm path, foot placement, body rotation, follow-through. Assess tactical understanding through decision-making about throw type and target selection. Monitor engagement and inclusion - ensure quieter students are involved and heard. Track differentiation effectiveness by noting who struggles and excels at each level.
Intervene immediately if safety issue arises - use whistle stop signal. Pause activity if technique errors widespread affecting multiple students - whole-group correction more efficient. Provide individual interventions during active practice by circulating. Use freeze technique to highlight excellent examples for all to observe. If activity not working (confusion, lack of engagement), stop and re-explain rather than persisting. Adjust differentiation on-the-fly if students need more or less challenge.
Demonstrate all techniques yourself slowly and clearly from multiple angles. Use student volunteers to show techniques when appropriate - select range of abilities to normalize variation. Exaggerate movements to make technique visible (slow motion demonstrations). Freeze at key positions highlighting important body alignments. Provide commentary during demonstrations explaining the 'why' not just 'what'. Demonstrate incorrect technique briefly then correct version for comparison. Show modifications for different abilities during initial demonstration. Use demonstrations during activity by pausing to highlight excellent student examples.
Minimum 30m x 40m for full lesson activities. Rounders diamond requires approximately 20m x 20m with additional space around perimeter for safety. Indoor hall must have ceiling height of at least 5m for overarm throws. Clear space free from obstacles, walls padded if indoor.
Dry, even surface essential for running activities. Check for trip hazards, holes, or uneven ground before lesson. Outdoor grass pitches preferred but ensure no muddy or waterlogged patches. Indoor surfaces must not be slippery. Remove any loose stones or debris from play area.
Immediate stop on whistle blast. Assess injured student without moving them unless in immediate danger. Send reliable student to get first aider/call office if needed. Keep other students calm and occupied away from incident. Basic first aid for minor injuries (ice pack for bumps, pressure for bleeding). Complete accident report form after lesson. Contact parents if injury requires it. Have emergency contact information and medical needs list accessible throughout lesson.
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