Batting tactics
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can apply different tactics when batting in a rounders game.
Key learning points
- Move: running as fast as possible between bases after striking the ball is vital to try and score a ½ or full rounder.
- Move: striking the ball in different directions requires adjusting the angle of our body to face the target (space).
- Think: knowing why we should vary the angle and speed of how we strike the ball helps us to score more rounders.
- Feel: taking on leadership roles and helping our teammates demonstrates excellent integrity and responsibility.
- Connect: collaborating with team mates throughout the game helps us make good decisions and score more rounders.
Keywords
Strike - the act of hitting/making contact with the ball
Outwit - using tactics and strategies to gain an advantage over our opponents
Game - an activity or sport in which people compete with each other according to agreed rules
Common misconception
Pupils often hit the ball too hard when batting, not considering batting accuracy. Pupils hit the ball in the same space every time they bat which, if righthanded, is usually towards 2nd and 3rd base.
Pupils should focus on accuracy and control rather than power. Encourage pupils to change the angle of their bodies, front foot and backswing to help them hit the ball in different directions.
Teacher tip
Continue to offer bigger bats and balls if pupils are struggling to make contact with the ball. Soft dodgeball style balls are an excellent alternative to tennis balls.
Equipment
1 rounders ball between 4 pupils, 1 rounders bat between 4 pupils, rounders bases x 8 or cones, alternative bats/ balls.
Content guidance
Risk assessment required - physical activity
Supervision
Adult supervision required
Licence
Prior knowledge starter quiz
4 Questions
Q1.When do you have to stop at 1st base?
Q2.What happens if a fielder touches the post with the ball before the batter arrives?
Q3.What bowling technique should the bowler use?
Q4.What should you do before throwing/receiving the ball?
Assessment exit quiz
4 Questions
Q1.How should you run between each base to ensure you get as far as possible?
Q2.What are teams trying to do when using tactics and strategies to gain an advantage over their opponents?
Q3.Each time you bat, where should you aim to hit the ball to outwit the fielders?
Q4.What does it mean to collaborate with your teammates?
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Batting tactics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 6 physical education lesson on: Batting tactics, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom.
Explore more key stage 2 physical education lessons from the Striking and fielding games: striking and fielding tactics through rounders unit, dive into the full primary physical education curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.