Rounders Skills Session

Overview

• Duration: 40 minutes
• Class size: 4 students with SEN needs
• Key Stage: KS2 (Ages 9-11)
• Subject: Physical Education – Rounders
• National Curriculum focus:
  • Physical Education Programmes of Study: Key Stage 2
  • Pupils should be taught to:
    • Play competitive games, modified where appropriate [NC PE 2014]
    • Use running, throwing, catching, and striking skills in combination
    • Develop simple tactics for attacking and defending
    • Take part in activities that develop agility, balance, and coordination

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Learning Objectives

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

1. Demonstrate correct batting stance and safely hit the ball off a tee or underarm throw (NC KS2 PE 2014).
2. Develop hand-eye coordination through catching and throwing activities with differentiated support (NC KS2 PE 2014).
3. Understand and apply simple rounders rules, including basic field placement and running between bases (NC KS2 PE 2014).
4. Work cooperatively with peers using clear communication and turn-taking (SMSC – Social development, British values).

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Resources Needed

• Rounders bats (lightweight, smaller sizes)
• Soft rounders balls (foam or soft leather)
• Batting tees
• Cones to mark bases and safe zones
• Visual aids showing the rounders diamond and key rules (clear symbols and large text)
• Stopwatch or timer
• Bean bags (for initial warm-up)

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Lesson Structure

1. Warm-up (7 minutes)

Purpose: Prepare physically and mentally, establish routine, practice communication.

• Activity: "Bean Bag Pass and Move"
  • Pupils stand in a circle (or adapted formation for student needs).
  • Pass a bean bag underhand while calling each other’s names to foster engagement and motor control.
  • Progression: add gentle movement around the circle or a designated area to build agility and spatial awareness.
• Differentiation:
  • For pupils with limited motor skills, use larger bean bags and allow seated passing if needed.
  • Provide visual cues and physical prompts to support engagement.

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2. Skill Focus 1: Batting Technique (10 minutes)

Objective: Develop safe, controlled striking of the ball.

• Use batting tees to allow pupils to strike stationary balls.
• Demonstrate correct grip, stance, and swing.
• Pupils practise hitting off the tee; teaching assistant provides tactile guidance or hand-over-hand help for those needing it.
• Differentiation:
  • Pupils who find the full swing challenging use a shorter bat or tape handle for better grip.
  • Pupils struggling with swing timing get extra repetitions and encouragement; those with more coordination encouraged to strike moving soft balls gently tossed underarm.
• Key focus: safety, confidence, and enjoyment.

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3. Skill Focus 2: Throwing and Catching (10 minutes)

Objective: Develop hand-eye coordination and spatial awareness.

• Activity: "Target Throw and Catch"
  • Set up various targets (cones, hoops) at different distances.
  • Pupils throw soft balls underarm aiming at targets, then attempt catching.
  • Use large, visible targets and colour coding to aid differentiation.
• Differentiation:
  • For pupils struggling to throw accurately, use shorter distances and larger targets.
  • To build confidence, use bean bags instead of balls initially.
  • Visual cues and positive reinforcement given.
• Progression: pupils try catching balls thrown by peers or staff, focusing on safe catching techniques (soft hands, watch the ball).

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4. Small-Sided Game (Rounders Modified) (10 minutes)

Objective: Apply skills in a simplified game context and develop teamwork.

• Field setup with 4 bases clearly marked (cones or mats).
• Rules explained simply with visual aids; pupils have roles (batter, base runners, fielders).
• Adaptations:
  • Reduce running distances between bases.
  • Allow more time to hit and run.
  • Use soft balls and allow underarm throws only.
• Encourage clear verbal cues and teamwork; teacher and assistant model communication.
• Game runs in short rounds of 3-4 batters each to maintain focus and reduce fatigue.

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5. Cool Down and Reflection (3 minutes)

• Gentle stretching exercises focusing on arms, legs, and breathing.
• Group circle to share what they enjoyed and what was challenging (using visuals or talking mats as needed).
• Reinforce key messages about teamwork, trying their best, and safety.

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Assessment & Feedback

• Formative assessment throughout by teacher and TA via observation:
  • Engagement level and attempt at new skills.
  • Physical ability to grasp batting/throwing/catching techniques.
  • Ability to follow simple game rules and work collaboratively.
• Use annotated checklist aligned to NC KS2 PE outcomes to record progress:
  • E.g. ‘Demonstrates safe striking technique’, ‘Can catch ball with assistance’, ‘Participates in game with turn-taking’.
• Immediate, positive verbal feedback and encouragement given to build self-esteem.

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Differentiation Summary

Need Type	Adaptations	Support
Motor Skill Delays	Larger/light equipment; reduced distances; tactile prompts	1:1 or small group support, repeated demos
Attention & Processing	Simple, visual instructions; short activities	Use visual prompts, timers, quiet spaces
Communication Difficulties	Use signing, symbols, consistent cues	Peer buddy system, visual timetable
Physical Mobility Challenges	Ability to take part seated or with assistance	Modified roles (e.g. scorer, encourager)

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Link to National Curriculum (England) – Key Stage 2 PE

• Develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities.
• Are physically active for sustained periods.
• Engage in competitive sports and activities, modifying rules as needed to ensure inclusion (NC PE 2014).
• Build a foundation of skills in striking, throwing, catching, running, and teamwork.

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End of Plan

This highly inclusive session ensures all pupils with SEN access and benefit from PE learning in a supportive environment, encouraging physical development, confidence, and enjoyment of rounders in line with the National Curriculum.