Bat, Ball & Teamwork

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Overview

Subject: Physical Education (PE)
Year Group: Year 5 (Ages 9–10)
Lesson Duration: 40 minutes
Class Size: 28 pupils
Curriculum Links:

• National Curriculum for Physical Education UK – Key Stage 2
  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • use running, jumping, throwing and catching in isolation and in combination
    • play competitive games, modified where appropriate, and apply basic principles suitable for attacking and defending
    • develop flexibility, strength, technique, control and balance
    • compare their performances with previous ones and demonstrate improvement to achieve their personal best

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Lesson Aim

To introduce striking with a bat in a striking and fielding context, consolidating ground fielding, throwing towards a target, teamwork, and basic tactical play.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of the session, pupils will be able to:

• Use a bat to strike a ball effectively with the intention of placing or evading fielders
• Apply previously learnt fielding techniques (stationary and moving ground fielding) in a dynamic context
• Begin to understand and use attacking and defending roles within a team game context
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with teammates in both batting and fielding roles

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Success Criteria

• Pupils hold and swing the bat with correct basic technique
• Fielders move quickly to intercept and return the ball to a target (e.g. stumps/cone)
• Pupils experiment with different striking directions to avoid fielders
• Clear communication and role awareness within teams
• Demonstrate fair play and support for teammates

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Resources & Equipment

• 14 tennis bats or Kwik Cricket plastic bats (1 per pair)
• 14 low-bounce balls (tennis or windballs)
• 6 sets of throw-down stumps or large cones for targets
• Coloured bibs for team identification
• Cones to mark zones/playing area
• Whistle
• Whiteboard or flipchart for plenary and tactical discussion

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Lesson Structure (40 minutes)

⏱️ 0-5 mins – Welcome & Warm-Up

"Strike & Dash Tag" Game

• All pupils spread out in a marked grid (20x20m)
• 4 pupils hold foam bats (no balls yet)
• When a whistle blows, those with bats try to tag others by gently tapping them below the waist
• If tagged, pupils do 3 star jumps then re-join
• Switch taggers every minute to engage different pupils
• Purpose: Improve reaction time, spatial awareness, and dynamic movement

Emphasise fun and safe movement; bat must be used responsibly. Strong emphasis on body control.

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⏱️ 5-10 mins – Demonstration and Skill Focus

Introduction to Batting Technique

• Gather pupils in a semicircle; demonstrate:
  • Ready stance: feet shoulder-width apart, bat held at waist
  • Controlled swing: emphasis on contact with the ball using an underarm drop
  • Direction control: guiding the ball rather than hitting with power

Ask pupils: “Why might we want to guide the ball rather than hit it hard?”
Encourage ideas around ball placement, avoiding fielders, and time to run.

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⏱️ 10-20 mins – Paired Practice: Strike and Field Challenge

Stations of 2 pupils (1 batter, 1 fielder)

• One pupil underarm drops the ball for their partner to strike
• Batter attempts to guide the ball into space (between cones set in different zones)
• Fielder retrieves and returns ball toward the partner’s feet (mimicking a stump/cone)
• Switch roles every 2 minutes

Progression Challenge:

• Fielders are rewarded for quick, accurate returns (target is a spot/cone)
• Batters are challenged to strike into targeted zones for accuracy

Observation focus: Encourage control over power; safety in swings and spatial awareness

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⏱️ 20–30 mins – Mini Game: 4-Team Strike & Field

Setup:

• 4 teams of 7 (2 teams play, 2 rest or scorekeep/officiate)
• Playing area approx. 14x14m with cone boundary
• 1 batter at a time, others lined up behind
• 1 fielder at each corner of the square; rotate after each ball

Game Rules:

• Batter has 3 attempts to strike a ball fed underarm by teacher
• After hitting, batter runs to a cone and back (like rounders)
• Fielders collect and return the ball to “base” (cone in centre)
• 1 point for a successful run before the ball returns
• Rotate teams after 5 minutes

Encourage reflection from resting pupils: “What tactics help fielders return faster?” or “What directions was most effective when batting?”

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⏱️ 30–35 mins – Tactical Talk & Replay

Whole class feedback circle – use questioning to explore:

• How can fielders work together to stop runs?
• What can a batter look for before choosing where to hit?
• Is every strike about power?

Follow with a 2-minute replay of the mini game for one round using new tactics discussed.

Focus words: Anticipation, Communication, Decision-Making

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⏱️ 35–40 mins – Cool Down & Plenary

"Fielders’ Detectives" Game

• Pupils walk slowly within space
• Teacher calls out a batting type, e.g. “ground ball to left” or “fast return”
• Pupils mime corresponding fielding reaction or throw for 10 seconds
• Emphasis on returning heart rate to normal

Reflection Prompt (Oral or on whiteboard):

• What did I do better today?
• What will I try differently next time?

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Assessment Opportunities

• Observation of teamwork, communication and spatial awareness
• Correct grip and stance in batting
• Effectiveness of fielding techniques in dynamic situations
• Use of tactical decisions and adaptation during game play

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Extension & Differentiation

For Higher Attainers:

• Introduce fielder positioning strategies (e.g. “Where would two fielders go for different batters?”)
• Challenge to strike into unguarded space with intent

For Lower Attainers or SEND:

• Provide choice of ball size or softer batting equipment
• Paired support; extend success by focusing on one isolated skill (e.g. consistent contact with ball)

More Inclusive Language: Ensure all explanations are clear, visual where possible, and that pupils with additional needs have prompted instructions and buddy support where necessary.

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Teacher Reflection Opportunities

• Did pupils transfer fielding skills successfully into a game context?
• Were the batters beginning to explore tactical striking, or defaulting to power shots?
• How did the team collaboration develop compared to previous lessons?

Note next lesson: Develop batting consistency and introduce base running rules of rounders-style play

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Keywords Introduced

Striking, Target, Placement, Teamwork, Game Tactics, Communication, Control, Fielding, Return

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Final Note

This lesson is designed to bridge the previously learnt fielding skills with the early stages of team game concepts. It introduces a manipulative skill (bat handle) while reinforcing tactical cognition and collaborative play – essential components not just in sport, but in life skills, too.

Let children explore, adapt, and enjoy the journey of moving from drills to dynamic play with purpose.