New
New
Year 4

Batting: where and why

I understand how and where to hit the ball in a game of racing rounders.

New
New
Year 4

Batting: where and why

I understand how and where to hit the ball in a game of racing rounders.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Move: when batting, it is important to strike the ball in different directions by following through towards the target.
  2. Move: to score more rounders, we have to strike the ball with power and intent where there are no fielders.
  3. Think: selecting where to aim when batting is an important decision as this increases our chance of scoring a rounder.
  4. Feel: challenging ourselves to strike the ball in different directions demonstrates resilience.
  5. Connect: identifying strengths and weaknesses in others' performances and helping them improve demonstrates trust.

Keywords

  • Rounder - hit/throw the ball and successfully run around all four bases back to the starting point retrieve the ball

  • Strike - the act of hitting/making contact with the ball

  • Space - an open area where your opponents are not standing

Common misconception

When batting, pupils focus solely on hitting the ball with power, ignoring the positioning of the fielders.

Explain to pupils that having awareness of fielders positions willl help them to aim and strike the ball into space. A powerful strike is not as effective if it goes towards a fielder.


To help you plan your year 4 physical education lesson on: Batting: where and why, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Space groups out to ensure there is significant space between them, so they are not hitting into each other's areas.
Teacher tip

Equipment

rounders bats/ tennis rackets, tennis balls, 30+ cones, rounders bases, batting tees

Content guidance

  • Risk assessment required - physical activity

Supervision

Adult supervision required

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Prior knowledge starter quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
What is the role of the batter?

backstop
stump the base
Correct answer: score rounders

Q2.
Where should we hit to try to score more rounders?

Correct answer: into space
backwards
towards fielders

Q3.
When batting, what can you do to make a good connection with the ball?

close your eyes
Correct answer: track the ball
look into space

Q4.
Knowing where you want to strike the ball is called what?

Correct answer: intent
power
inspiration

Assessment exit quiz

Download quiz pdf

4 Questions

Q1.
Where should you try to strike the ball when batting?

towards fielders
Correct answer: towards open space
towards the bowler

Q2.
Which word describes the act of hitting the ball?

Correct Answer: strike, striking

Q3.
What is an important decision you need to make before striking the ball?

how to bowl
where to run
Correct answer: where to aim

Q4.
What can you identify in your teammates to help and support them to improve?

Correct answer: strengths and weaknesses
all their mistakes
their skills