Striking and Fielding
Baseball Softball Cricket Rounders
Principles of Striking and Fielding Games
Play into space when striking
Field by covering space anticipating where ball will go
Give yourself and team mates as much time as possible when scoring
Full catch by getting under ball to send it back quickly
Back to Bowler Rounders
Team striking tries to make as many runs as possible before the fielding team returns the ball to the bowler. This takes away the decision making of trying to get the ball to the correct base (the one a striker is running onto). This can be played with in either a diamond shape to run round, or running back and forth in a straight line.
Full Team Rounders
Striking team of 1-5 players send the ball into a space and then run around area 1-3 times. At the same time fielding team must retrieve ball and begin to pass around everyone in fielding team. When striking team finishes running, passing stops and the next striker takes their turn. When all players have had their turn striking the next group of strikers begin. Aim is to hit into space and run quickly to allow the fielder as little time as possible for passing. Team that allows the least passing wins.
Great game for mass participation and cardiovascular exercise - 5 players per teams and 3 laps of the area means 15 laps for everyone in the team!!
Non-stop Cricket
Bowler can bowl even if striker is not ready - this encourages the fielders to get the ball back to the bowler as quickly as possible in the hope that the striker will be in the middle of their run and the bowler will have a clear shot at the 'wickets'. Striker must run whether they hit the ball or not. Bowler must bowl a ball that can be hit by striker.
In the heat of the game the ball is often thrown downwards at the target if the striker is not there. Limits can be played on how many bowls strikers will receive to ensure that no one is batting for too long.
Island Rounders
Mats are used as bases. Unlimited people can stop on each mat on their way round. This allows players to wait until they see that they have enough time to move to the next base. Players will realise the importance of getting all the way round to ensure their team can score more points. Game is played like Back to Bowler Rounders. If strikers are between mats when the bowler gets the ball they are out. Game finishes when everyone is caught out or if every striker is on a mat!
Variation
Games can be varied by use of equipment and numbers in team. Small numbers are best where possible to ensure everyone plays a role in the game. Striking team can use rackets, bats, feet, hands to send ball. Balls can range in size and density.
Cricket and Dodgeball Combined
The striking team can bat or throw the ball depending on skill level. the idea is that they 'strike' the ball to a space in the field. The striking team have to throw or hit the ball and then run to the other side of the hall or designated area (if outdoors have a line of cones which they must run past to be safe). They then have to run back to score a point for their team.
The hitting team receives one home run when the child has run up to the end line and back. Children can stay on end line if they like and come back when safe. However, if too many children wait then there is the possibility that they will run out of people to 'bat'. Children are out when touched by a fielder who has the ball or when a fielder gets a full catch.
The fielding team can pass the ball around to try and get out the runners. Full catch only puts out the 'batter' when 3 people are out whole team swaps.
Relays
· Pupils in teams - 3 cones per teams and 1 ball
Ball is placed on the first cone to start. First player runs to ball, picks it up, carries it and places it on second cone. They then run around the last cone and on the way back pick up ball up and place it back on the original cone.
· Pupils in teams - 1 cone and 1 ball per team
One player starts at the opposite end of the hall. Player with ball runs to the cone and sends an underarm pass to the single player who then runs to the cone and passes to the next person in the line. This is repeated until everyone is back to original place.
Overarm Throw
This is a core skill used by fielders:
Q1. What is the best starting position?
A. Stand sideways to target.
Q2. How should you hold the ball?
A. Hold the ball in fingers.
Q3. Which foot should be forward?
A. Foot at the opposite side of the body from the throwing arm.
Q4. Where should the throwing arm start?
A. Arm should be back behind the head almost straight.
Q5. What about the non throwing arm?
A. This can help accuracy by pointing towards the target or help power if flexed with elbow towards target.
Catch
Q1. What is the correct stance and hand position?
A. Feet a little wider than hip width, arms away from body with hands out ready to catch.
Q2. What do you need to do first?
A. Spot the ball and move into position.
Contact Us: If you have a Striking and Fielding game you would like to share please contact Physical Education Resources.