Rounders: Do I Keep Going or Stay at the Post?

A rounders game, a traditional bat-and-ball game from the UK and Ireland, focused on the runner's choice: push on to the next post or stay safe. Each team has a "post coach" who helps decide.

How to play

1. Quick review of the basics: four posts, underhand bowling, the batter hits one-handed, and a runner is safe while touching the post with a hand or the bat (4 min).
2. Decision drill: runners on first post; the teacher throws the ball to different areas and each runner decides whether to go or stay; the class weighs in on each call (6 min).
3. Game on two fields, first innings: each team names a post coach who shouts "go" or "stay" (8 min).
4. Second innings with roles switched and a new post coach (8 min).
5. Reflection: when is the risk worth it? What clues does the ball's position give you? (4 min).

Rules

• The batter puts the bat down, never throws it, before running.
• Runners go around the outside of the posts and fielders don't block their path.
• A runner is out if a fielder touches the post they're heading to with the ball before they get there; they go back to the batting line, not to the bench.
• Always run in the same direction.

Variations

Adaptations

• Deaf or hard-of-hearing students: the post coach uses gestures, arm forward for go, open palm for stay.
• Students with limited mobility: bat while a partner runs for them; they can serve as the post coach.
• Hesitant students: start as post coach alongside a teammate.

Learning goals

• Decide when to advance or hold.
• Read the position of the ball and the fielders.
• Learn about a traditional game from another culture.

Equipment for a class of 25

• short plastic bats: 4
• tall cones: 8
• poles: 8
• tennis balls: 6
• pinnies: 15

Teacher tip

In rounders several runners can share a post; make clear how you're playing it before you start. No posts? A tall cone with a pole stuck in it works.

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