Rounders - Lesson 1

The first lesson in a series of Striver Lesson Plans for Year 6 focuses on honing the essential skills of throwing and catching a ball with consistency, which are crucial for the game of rounders. The lesson begins with a warm-up game called 'In a pickle', where the students move around an area, and if tagged, they stand with legs apart until freed by their peers rolling a ball through their legs. This activity can be varied by using different types of balls and requiring one or two-handed catches. The key teaching point is to ensure accurate and fast rolling aimed towards partners' hands, encouraging spatial awareness and communication.

During the main part of the lesson, which lasts for 30 minutes, the class is divided into groups of three to participate in catching and throwing circuits. These circuits include activities such as High Catches, Quick-fire catches, Through the target, and Back-stop catches, each with a focus on different catching and throwing techniques and involving a rotation of roles to ensure all pupils are engaged. To extend the lesson, a points system can be introduced, or the distances and directions of catches and throws can be varied. The session concludes with a cool-down activity called '5, 4, 3, 2 & 1', where pupils pair up and complete a decreasing number of catches, promoting focus and teamwork. Throughout the lesson, key teaching points emphasize the importance of having hands ready, using soft, cupped hands for catching, and being aware of open spaces and teammates.