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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can send the ball into areas of a playing field using different striking techniques to avoid fielders and maximise my scoring opportunities.

      Key learning points

      1. Move: to hit the ball into different spaces, the angle of the hips, front foot and backswing are adjusted.
      2. Think: the fielding team needs to be well spaced out to increase coverage and adapt if the batter is left handed.
      3. Think: creating maximum distance between the three balls and the opposing team creates more time to score.
      4. Feel: excitement and enjoyment can also come from other people's success.
      5. Connect: encouraging one another shows compassion and helps to develop confidence.

      Keywords

      • Angle - adjusting the angle of the hips, feet and backswing helps to accurately direct the ball and generate power when batting

      • Tactics - actions carefully planned to achieve a desired outcome

      • Rounder - a complete run of a player through all the bases as a unit of scoring

      Common misconception

      Pupils often try to hit the ball too hard when batting. Often pupils hit the ball in the same space every time they bat which is usually around 2nd and 3rd base.

      Pupils should focus on accuracy and control rather than power. Encourage pupils to change the angle of their hips, 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. Challenge pupils cognitively in this lesson. Ask lots of questions focused on where is best to hit the ball to make it most difficult for fielders. Pupils should think tactically and strategically.

      Equipment

      1 ball between 3, 1 rounders bat between 3, a stack of cones, hoops, bowling targets , stumps and bases

      Content guidance

      Risk assessment required - physical activity

      Supervision

      Adult supervision required

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What do you score if you hit the ball and reach 2nd base?

      1/4 rounder
      1/2 rounder
      rounder

      Q2.
      Where does a backstop stand in rounders?

      near 4th base
      Correct answer: behind the batter
      behind first base

      Q3.
      If the ball is hit backwards, which base does the batter have to stop at until the ball is back in front of the batting box

      Correct answer: first
      second
      third

      Q4.
      What should you try to do to avoid dropping the ball when fielding?

      kneel down
      look around you
      Correct answer: cushion the ball

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      In what situation would fielders need to shift across to cover more areas on the left side of their fielding area?

      big hitter
      right handed batter
      Correct answer: left handed batter

      Q2.
      Which body part should you change the angle of so you can hit the ball in different directions?

      elbow
      Correct answer: hip
      knee

      Q3.
      What are teams using if they discuss strategies and come up with a game plan?

      Correct Answer: tactics

      Q4.
      What should you try to do as fielders to limit the batter's chances of scoring a rounder?

      Correct answer: cover more space
      cover less space
      cover batting square

      To help you plan your 7 physical education lesson on: 3 ball rounders, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...