Rounders Sessions
These rounders sessions focus on further developing and progressing skills from the year 3-4 unit, including striking, sending, receiving, movement and team work skills within small-sided games. Lessons are progressive and suitable for indoor or outdoor delivery.
Lesson Plans
Lesson 1: Throwing & Catching With Accuracy Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To throw with accuracy over different distances.
- To catch consistently from different heights
Success Criteria:
- I can use both underarm and overarm throws accurately.
- I can catch high balls and low balls consistently.
- I can choose the correct type of throw for the situation.
Key Words:
- Accuracy
- Technique
- Control
Equipment:
- Small balls/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Bibs
- Cricket stumps
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Hot Potato
Split the class into even groups of around of even numbers (4 or 6 per group)
Set out 6 spots at various points in front of each team (around 5m apart from each other)
In pairs in their groups, start 1 player on the start line and 1 person the first cone. They will perform a throw and catch to each other. If successful, they both move to the next spot. When they reach the end, they then do the same on the way back. When they get back to the start, swap with the next pair in your group
Progression:
>Make this into a race between games to see which team can finish 1st
Skill Development
Beat the ball
Split the class into teams of 6-8 and ask them to stand in a circle. The children will perform underarm and overarm passes to others in their group. When the teacher shouts ‘GO’, the player with the ball places it on the floor and begins to run around the circle. The player next to the ball will then picks up the ball and the team begin to throw the ball to the next player in the circle, trying to catch and beat the player running. It’s a race to see who gets back first, the ball or the player
Game – Rounders Handball
Split the class into even teams of around 6-8 per team. You may want to set up multiple playing areas so each team can be playing at once. Set up an area with a target at both ends (this could be cricket stumps or simply a player in a boxed area).
2 teams compete against each other looking to keep possession of the ball and strike their opponent’s target. You can only intercept a pass to win possession back.
Teaching Points:
- We want to see the children using good accuracy when throwing the ball. We are looking to aim for our partner’s hands to make it easier for them to catch it. Think about the amount of power we are using in our throw. We don’t want too much power and make it difficult for our partner to catch the ball
- When catching, we want to see the children make good decisions as to whether to use the cupping technique or the W shape technique. We want to make sure they are waiting in the ready position with knees bent and feet shoulder width apart, anticipating the ball coming to them.
- The more accurate we can be with our throwing and catching, the greater chance we have of being successful in the games we are playing.
Key Questions:
- What do we mean by the term accuracy?
- How can we be accurate when throwing the ball to someone?
- When looking to catch the ball, how will we decide which catching technique to use?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Develop control and technique through playing rounders
- Play competitive games against others, applying basic principles for both attacking and defending
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing good team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Improving our decision making skills
Lesson 2: Improving The Accuracy Of Our Fielding Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To field the ball cleanly using correct technique.
- To improve speed and accuracy when returning the ball.
- To make good decisions throughout the session
Success Criteria:
- I can use the long barrier and one-handed pick-up effectively.
- I can return the ball accurately to a teammate or post.
- I can make good decisions throughout the session
Key Words:
- Decision making
- Accuracy
Equipment:
- Small balls/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Hula Hoops
- Bibs
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Whacky Rounders
Split the class into 4 even team and set up 2 separate areas. In those areas, create 2 circled areas (1 inside the other). The runner team will be on the outside circle, whilst the fielding team will be on the inside (use spots for each team member of the fielding team to stand on)
On the word go, the fielding team will throw the ball around the circle anti clockwise, whilst the running team player will run around their circle clockwise. The aim of the game is to beat the other team (either the fielding team return the ball to the start or the runner returns to the start first).
1 point awarded for whoever completes first. Once all runner team members have been, swap the teams to see who is victorious.
Skill Development
Scatterball
Split the class into teams of 4. Divide the teams of 4 to make a 2v2 game.
Mark out a small rounders area, with the 4 bases around 4-5m apart from one another. Have a hoop in the centre marked as the fielder’s circle. The two teams are marked as the runner team and fielding team
The runner team will take it in turns to throw 3 balls, scattered, inside the based areas (you cannot throw the balls past the bases) but make sure they are spread wide apart. The two fielders begin inside the hoop. As soon as the runner begins to run to 1st base, the fielders have to gather all 3 ball and place them inside the hoop (you can only collect one at a time) before the runner makes their way around the bases. It’s a race to see who finishes 1st. A point is awarded to the winning team each time. The runners have a turn each before the teams swap roles.
Game – Race Against The Clock
Split the class into teams of 6. Set up a rounders pitch with a bowling area, backstop and base fielder’s areas. Have 1 player stand on each area and the bowler start with the ball. They will throw the ball to the back stop, who will then throw to 1st base, then to 2nd base etc. until the ball reaches 4th base in a race against the clock. They will then stump 4th base and the time stops. Have each team play and see who can complete the race in the quickest time.
The bowler must throw underarm, however base fielders can use underarm or overarm throws.
Progression:
>Increase the distances between the bases to encourage children to be more accurate with their throws.
Teaching Points:
- When fielding, we need to ensure that our throws are accurate. The way we can improve the accuracy of our throws is to put our non throwing arm out for aim, and ensure we are aiming towards our partner’s hands.
- We want to ensure that we use the correct amount of power when throwing the ball, ensuring that we give our partner a good chance of catching the ball.
- We want speed and more importantly, efficiency when fielding. We want to ensure our throws are accurate to our partner, and that we also catch the ball. Any mis fields, either through a dropped catch or a misplaced throw, can waste time and ensure the runners will always beat us. We are better off taking a split second longer ensuring we have our throwing technique correct and that our partner is in the ready position, than to rush our technique and mis field.
Key Questions:
- How can we ensure our partner is ready to catch the ball?
- Why do we want our throws to be accurate? And how can we ensure they are accurate?
- How can we work well as a team in these games?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Develop control and technique through playing rounders
- Play competitive games against others, applying basic principles for attacking and defending
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Developing resilience in their work
Lesson 3: Bowling With Accuracy Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives:
- To bowl consistently using correct underarm technique.
- To vary bowling speed and trajectory.
Success Criteria:
- I can bowl with a straight arm and consistent action.
- I can vary the speed of my bowl deliberately.
- I can aim to challenge the batter strategically.
Key Words:
- Trajectory
- Strategy
- Accuracy
Equipment:
- Small balls/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Hula hoops
- Bibs
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Castle Dodgeball
Set up a dodgeball type court with obstacles on both sides (these can be in the form of balls on cones, hoops set up as castles, cricket wickets). Spread different types of balls on the middle line including sponge tennis ball, dodgeballs and other small balls that are available.
If room allows, split the class into 4 teams and have 2 games running at one time. The aim is to strike down all of the obstacles on the opposition’s side. You can defend the obstacles by blocking (using a long and short barrier as well as blocking and catching the ball). You cannot be caught out or struck out by being hit, the aim of the game is to simply strike down the opposition’s targets.
Skill Development
To me to you
Spread out sets of cones around the hall that are colour co-ordinated. You may have:
>Yellow cones – short distance apart – 1-2m
>Red cones – medium distance apart – 3-4m
>Blue cones – Long distance apart – 5-6m
Can the children, in pairs, find different coloured cones and throw the ball using an underarm bowling action to each other. We want them to differ the speed at which the bowl at each set of cones, ensuring they are aiming for the partner’s hands and making sure they are able to catch the ball.
Target practice
Split the class into teams of 4 for this activity. Two people will be bowling, one person will be holding a target hoop and the other will be the backstop.
The distance between the bowlers and the hoop will need to be around 6-8m to start with. The backstop should be a few steps behind the hoop waiting for the catch. The person holding the hoop will hold it out extended away from them to prevent/decrease the chances of them being hit. Try to use soft sponge balls (size of tennis balls) if possible, if not tennis balls should be fine as we are only throwing underarm.
The bowlers take it in turns to throw the ball through the hoop and to the backstop on the other side, changing the speed of their delivery each time. Sometimes fast, sometimes slow. Each time they can throw the ball through, they get a point. Allow 5 turns each before swapping roles. Make sure that each person in the group has a turn at each station.
Progression:
>Change the size of the hoop to a small hoop
>Children can stand further back to encourage greater accuracy
Game – Mini Rounders
Split the group into teams of 7-8. We are going to play a game of mini rounders, with only 2 bases rather than the traditional 4. We will have:
>1 batter
>1 backstop
>1 bowler
>2 base fielders
>The rest outfielders
Each player takes it in turn to bowl 5 balls to the batter. We are looking for good accuracy in our bowling and to bowl at different speeds to deceive the batter. Remember that if the ball goes past the batter below the knee, above the shoulder or outside the batting square, the bowl does not count. If they do bowl outside the area, just allow them to keep bowling until they can bowl 5 good balls.
The batter can score points by striking the ball and running to bases. If the reach 1st base they get 1 point, 2nd base is 2 points and back home is 3 points. If they are caught, struck or run out, they just simply aren’t awarded a point.
Swap over the roles after 5 balls so that each person has a turn at bowling and batting.
Teaching Points:
- We are looking for good accuracy of our bowling. Make sure we have our non throwing arm out for aim, we are stepping forward on the foot opposite to the hand holding the ball, throwing underarm with good technique.
- Differing the speeds at which we bowl can deceive the batsman into swinging their bat too early or too late. Remember to disguise our bowl so they won’t know the difference between a fast bowl and a slow one.
- If we are throwing the ball with more speed, remember that it may result in us losing some accuracy in our throw. Finding a good balance between speed and accuracy is key for a fast bowl as we do not want to throw a ball.
Key Questions:
- How can we bowl with accuracy?
- Why is it important to bowl with accuracy?
- How can we deceive the batter when bowling against them?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Developing control and technique through playing rounders
- Play competitive games against others
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Showing creativity in their work
- Improving their decision making skills
- Showing creativity in their bowling
Lesson 4: Batting With Direction Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To strike the ball with controlled direction.
- To apply tactical placement when batting.
- To communicate effectively as a batting team.
Success Criteria:
- I can direct the ball into space intentionally.
- I can decide when to run based on fielding positions.
- I can communicate clearly with my batting partner.
Key Words:
- Placement
- Communication
- Decision
Equipment:
- Rounders Bats/Tennis Rackets
- Small balls/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Spots
- Bibs
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Lily Pad Tag
Place spots all around the area. As many as there are pupils in the class. Pick 3-4 people to be taggers. They cannot stand on a spot (lily pad). Everyone starts off the spots. The game is a simple tag game. Every time someone reaches and stands on a spot for at least 3 seconds, they receive one point. When standing on a spot, you cannot be tagged but to gain another point, you need to move to another spot. When you are running in between spots, you can be tagged. If you are tagged, your score returns to 0.
Progression:
>Add more taggers or remove spots to make the game more difficult.
Skill Development
Keepy up
Split the class into pairs and give them a bat and ball. In their pairs, they will take it in turns in their space to keep up the ball as many times in a row using the rounder bat.
Progression:
>Make this competitive between the pairs to see who can keep up the ball the highest number of times.
Batting with direction
Split the class into groups of 5. Have a bowler, batter, backstop and 2 fielders to either side of the batter at 2 o’clock and 10 o’clock.
Place 3 spots down at 10 o’clock, 12 o’clock and 2 o’clock in front of the batter, that they must step onto as they strike the ball.
We want the bowler to shout ‘bat back’ to allow the batter to know they are about to bowl. Allow the batter to step forward on the front foot, onto one of the spots and strike the ball towards the fielder on that side.
Each player to have 5 turns before swapping roles.
Game – Diamond rounders
Split the class into teams of 4. If you think there may be too many teams, split the class to play on 2 separate pitches.
Set up a rounders pitch with a bowling square in the middle, 4 bases set up with a post for each. The fielding team are made up of the other teams. We need 1 bowler (which can be swapped after 5 bowls) and the rest need to split between being base fielders, outfielders and a backstop.
The batting team will line up on a base each. The bowler can decide to bowl to any of the batting team. The fielding team will need to adjust their position to make sure they have a base fielder on each base and a backstop. The bowler will bowl the ball to the batter, who will strike the ball and begin to run clockwise around the bases.
Every time the batting team reach a new base, they receive 1 point. If they are caught or run out, they receive a -4 score. If they miss the ball, no points are awarded, they just lose 1 of their 10 turns.
Each team will take it in turns being the batting team, looking to score as many points as possible. Each team is bowled to 10 times before the team’s swap.
Teaching Points:
- When playing the preparation game, can the children use good communication to swap spots with each other, without being caught by the taggers. Can they make the right decision to leave their spot and find another, or will they need to turn around and return to their spot.
- When striking the bat, we want the front foot pointing in the direction we are going to strike the ball. Stepping forward on the front foot (opposite to the hand holding the bat) and striking into the direction we want. This is important in rounders as we want to strike the ball into free spaces, away from outfielders, to give our team a chance to run bases and gain points.
- When playing diamond rounders, we want to see good communication between the batting team. Knowing whether to run to the next base or staying where they are, are key decision that need to be made. Communicating with the player both in front (if we want to run) or the player behind (if we want to stay) are key decisions that need to be made. Calling ‘run’ or ‘stay’ will be the signals we use.
Key Questions:
- How can we change the direction of where we strike the ball?
- What decisions did we need to make in today’s session?
- Why is communication between the batting team important?
- What do we need to communicate to our team mates when batting?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Play competitive games against others, applying basic principles for attacking and defending
- Develop technique and control through playing rounders
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Making good decisions throughout the session
- Showing and developing leadership skills
Lesson 5: Fielding As A Team Session
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objective:
- To be able to communicate effectively with others
- To show good leadership and team work skills
Success Criteria:
- I can position myself strategically when fielding.
- I can back up teammates and cover space.
- I can communicate to organise the team effectively.
Key Words:
- Communication
- Leadership
- Team work
Equipment:
- Rounders Bats/Tennis Rackets
- Small balls/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Spots
- Hoops
- Bean bags
- Rounders posts if available (for bases)
- Bibs
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Foxes and rabbits
Split the class into teams of 6-7. Pick 1 player to be the rabbit (target). They will need to move around in the area, away from the rest of the team (foxes). The only way they can be tagged is with the tennis ball. If a player is in possession of the ball, they cannot move, they can only throw the ball to someone closer to the rabbit. The foxes need to work together to position themselves in order to tag the rabbit without moving.
Once the rabbit has been tagged, swap them over.
Skill Development
2 messy bedrooms
This game is played similar to the game messy bedrooms; however, each team have 2 large bedrooms each, rather than just the 1 regular bedroom.
We will have a retrieving team, who will be placed in the back bedroom, with a sender team in the front bedroom. The players in the sending bedroom will roll the ball across the middle line. The sending team at the front can try to block/stop the ball by using a long and short barrier, however if the ball goes past them and to the retrieving team, they must throw the ball to a member of the sending team, for them to roll the ball over the middle line.
Progression:
>Instead of rolling the ball, the sending team can now use an overarm throw to throw the ball over the middle line
Game – Diamond rounders
Split the class into teams of 4. If you think there may be too many teams, split the class to play on 2 separate pitches.
Set up a rounders pitch with a bowling square in the middle, 4 bases set up with a post for each. The fielding team are made up of the other teams. We need 1 bowler (which can be swapped after 5 bowls) and the rest need to split between being base fielders, outfielders and a backstop.
The batting team will line up on a base each. The bowler can decide to bowl to any of the batting team. The fielding team will need to adjust their position to make sure they have a base fielder on each base and a backstop. The bowler will bowl the ball to the batter, who will strike the ball and begin to run clockwise around the bases.
Every time the batting team reach a new base, they receive 1 point. If they are caught or run out, they receive a -4 score. If they miss the ball, no points are awarded, they just lose 1 of their 10 turns.
Each team will take it in turns being the batting team, looking to score as many points as possible. Each team is bowled to 10 times before the team’s swap.
Teaching Points:
- When playing foxes and rabbits, we want the children without the ball to position themselves in the best position possible to be able to tag the rabbit with the ball without moving. They will need to work as a team in order to stop the rabbit being able to find free spaces to move into
- For the 2 messy bedrooms game, we want the retrieving and sending team to use good communication when throwing the ball to one another. If the retrieving team have the ball, we need them to communicate and use good team work with the sending team to throw the ball to them to then send the ball across to the opposition team. Make sure our throws are accurate and that the sending team are in the ready position to catch the ball and send the ball across.
- The diamond rounders game this week is focused on the fielding team. We need the bowler to communicate with the fielders which base they are throwing to, so that the fielders can position themselves in the outfield to where the batter may strike the ball. We also need one player to become the backstop and players placed on each base in case the batter misses the ball or so we can complete a run out.
- If the batter strikes the ball far into the field, remember to remind the class that the ball will always travel faster than a person. Throwing the ball to a fellow fielder closer to the bases is a much quicker and more efficient way of getting the ball back to the bases, rather than the fielder running with the ball.
Key Questions:
- When fielding in rounders, why do we need good communication?
- What would we communicate to our team mates when we are the fielding team in rounders?
- When would we need to use good team work when we are the fielding team in rounders, and why?
National curriculum links:
- Use running and throwing in isolation and combination
- Develop technique, balance and control through playing rounders
- Play competitive games against others
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing good team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Showing creativity in coming up with tactics
- Developing and showing leadership skills
Lesson 6: Rounders Games
Warm-up • Skill Development • Game
View Lesson Plan
Learning Objectives:
- To apply skills in a competitive game situation.
- To follow rules and play fairly.
- To demonstrate teamwork and respect.
Success Criteria:
- I can play rounders games following the rules.
- I can show fair play and respect to others.
- I can use the correct skills during a game.
Key Words:
- Rules
- Respect
- Sportsmanship
Equipment:
- Rounders Bats/Tennis Rackets
- Small balls/tennis balls
- Cones for set up
- Spots
- Rounders posts if available (for bases)
- Bibs
Preparation Ideas (warm up) – Creative Team Warm Up
Split the class into 4-6 even teams (min 5 per group)
Allow each team to go away and lead their own warm up. This will include a dynamic movement, each person in the group picking a stretch, and practicing their bowling and fielding technique. You may want to give each group 3-4 balls each to practice this so they can go into smaller groups within their team
Game – Rounders Games
Split the children into two even teams (4 teams if you have the resources)
Bowling/fielding team positions – Bowler, backstop, 1st base fielder, 2nd base fielder, 3rd base fielder, 4 base fielder & outfielders
Batting team – Take in turns to strike the ball and run bases. If the batting team struggle using the rounders bat, allow them to use a tennis racquet.
Rules:
- Batter has 3 attempts at striking the ball. Allow them to use either the rounders bat or tennis racquet (try to get high ability children to use the rounders bat, lower ability using the tennis racquet. If the batter misses a good bowl 3 times, they have to run to first base. The backstop has to throw the ball to the 1st base fielder to get the batter out.
- If the bowler throws the ball and it bounces or goes above the batter’s head or below their knees, that is a ball. After 4 balls the batter is allowed to run to 1st base for free.
- Batter’s can stop on any base; however, you cannot have 2 people on a base or have batter’s overtaking each other. If two on one base, the person who got there second is out. If you overtake, the person who overtakes is out.
- Batter’s must run on the outside on the bases, if they run on the inside of any base they must return and stop on the previous base.
- If the batter stops on any base and after another go makes it all the way through 4th base and home, they get ½ point. If they strike and make it all the way around the bases and home, they get 1 point.
- If a base fielder has the ball in their hand and is standing on the base before the batter gets to the base, the batter is out
- If an outfielder catches the ball, the batter is out. Any batting team on bases must return the base they started on
Allow each team to have the same number of innings. This will be dependent on how much time you have & how long it takes between each innings
Teaching Points:
- Batting team:
>Communicating with each other when they are running between bases. Make sure they don’t end up with two on one base or where someone is overtaking when running between bases.
>Looking for gaps in the field to strike the ball. Do we need to strike the ball hard and long, or can we use a block and run to first base, maybes to get someone on 4th base home to get the team ½ point - Fielding/bowling team:
>When fielding, think about what base we want to block. Do we want to block 2nd base because someone is running there, or do you want to block 4th base where a different person is running.
>Swap roles after each batter so that everyone can have a turn at each role.
>Think about where we are placing fielder. No outfielder can be placed inside the bases, they must be on the outside
Key Questions:
- How can we show respect and good sportsmanship whilst playing rounders?
- What do mean by the term tactic?
- Can you explain a tactic that you have used in the game?
National curriculum links:
- Use running, throwing and catching in isolation and combination
- Play competitive games against others, applying basic principles for attacking and defending
- Develop technique and control through playing rounders
Social/environmental skills:
- Developing team work and collaboration skills
- Developing good communication skills
- Showing creativity in coming up with tactics
- Showing good sportsmanship throughout the session
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