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Big Question

How can we work as a team to retrieve the ball quickly and strike it while moving?

Learning Objectives

  • To develop the ability to chase, retrieve and accurately throw a ball back to teammates
  • To learn how to strike a ball off a tee whilst moving using the chassĂ© technique
  • To demonstrate effective communication and teamwork during fielding activities

Key Outcomes

  • Students will be able to chase a ball and throw it back with improved accuracy
  • Students will be able to strike a ball off a tee while moving forward using a chassĂ© step
  • Students will demonstrate good communication and backing up skills in fielding situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls
15 (1 per 2 students)

Distributed on cones around activity area

Alternative: Bean bags, soft play balls

Tees
5-6

Positioned at batting stations

Alternative: Traffic cones, markers on ground

Cricket Equipment
5-6

Age-appropriate lightweight bats

Alternative: Tennis rackets, foam bats

Coloured Bibs
3 different colours

For Harry Potter game and team identification

Alternative: Coloured bands, team identifiers

Cones
20-25

For boundaries, targets, and starting positions

Alternative: Markers, spots

Rackets
5.5 sets

As targets for throwing practice

Alternative: Large cones, bins as targets

Key Vocabulary

Chassé

A dance-like stepping movement: step with front leg, bring back foot behind front, then step again with front leg

Backing up

Supporting a teammate by positioning behind them in case they miss the ball

Overarm throw

Throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder for power and accuracy

Wicket-keeper

The player who stands behind the stumps to catch the ball and run out batsmen

Crease

The line that batsmen must reach to be safe from being run out

Run out

When fielders get the ball to the stumps before the batsman reaches the crease

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

  • Basic throwing and catching skills
  • Understanding of simple game rules
  • Basic striking movements
  • Following simple instructions

Current Skills

  • Chasing and retrieving balls efficiently
  • Accurate overarm throwing technique
  • Moving strike using chassĂ© footwork
  • Team communication and backing up

Next Steps

  • Bowling and batting in more complex game situations
  • Advanced fielding positions and tactics
  • Longer running between wickets
  • Understanding game strategy and field placements

Milestone Indicators

1
Picks up moving balls outside the foot consistently
2
Throws with accuracy to target after retrieval
3
Demonstrates clear chassé movement before striking
4
Shows good team communication throughout activities

Key Teaching Points

  • Pick up moving balls outside the foot, not directly in front of the body
  • Use overarm throwing technique for power and accuracy after retrieving balls
  • ChassĂ© movement: step with front leg, bring back foot behind, step again with front leg
  • Communication is vital - call your name when going for the ball
  • Always back up your teammate - position yourself 2-3 metres behind them
  • Keep head still and watch the ball when striking off the tee
  • Ground your bat over the crease when running to be safe from run-outs

Common Misconceptions

  • Children think they should pick up balls directly in front - teach outside foot pickup for quicker turning
  • Many will use underarm throws - demonstrate why overarm gives more power and accuracy
  • ChassĂ© movement often rushed - emphasise the rhythm: step, close, step, then hit
  • Children forget to back up teammates - constantly remind about positioning behind ball-chaser
  • Batsmen think they can run on any hit - explain decision-making about when running is safe
  • Fielders all chase same ball - teach calling and communication to avoid this

SEN Adaptations

ADHD
  • Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear boundaries, offer leadership roles, allow movement breaks
dyspraxia
  • Extra practice time for chassĂ© coordination, larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns initially
autism spectrum
  • Provide clear routine structure, use visual schedules, allow processing time, offer quiet rest area if overwhelmed
visual impairment
  • Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, pair with sighted buddy
hearing impairment
  • Use visual signals for start/stop, demonstrate all movements clearly, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
  • Adapt batting to seated position if needed, modify running distances, use larger/lighter equipment as appropriate

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs scored, measuring throwing distances, understanding positions and angles for fielding

Science

Forces in throwing and striking, balance and coordination in movement, physics of ball bounce

Geography

Spatial awareness, direction and positioning, understanding of field placement

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when skills are challenging, fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central position allowing view of all groups, move between activities to give individual feedback

Observation Focus

Watch for technique development in chassé movement, communication quality, and safe play

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, children are struggling with concepts, or conflicts arise

Demonstration Notes

Use slow, exaggerated movements for chassé technique, show from multiple angles, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues
  • •'Outside foot pickup!'
  • •'Step, close, step - then hit!'
  • •'Call your name loudly!'
  • •'Back up your teammate!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large hall or outdoor area minimum 25m x 20m for full game setup

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and quick direction changes

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks
  • •Check bats are age-appropriate weight and size
  • •Ensure balls are soft enough for Year 1 children
  • •Verify all cones are stable and have no sharp edges
  • •Check batting tees are at correct height and secure

Risk Management

Key Risks
  • •Bat swinging in confined spaces
  • •Collisions during ball chasing
  • •Balls hitting other children
  • •Trips and falls during running
Risk Mitigation
  • •Clear batting areas with adequate safety zones
  • •Establish clear boundaries and running lanes
  • •Teach safe bat handling - carry low, aware of others
  • •Use soft balls appropriate for age group
  • •Ensure adequate spacing between groups

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points
  • •Position to see all batting areas simultaneously
  • •Monitor high-energy chasing activities
  • •Watch for children showing fatigue
  • •Be alert during equipment transitions
Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately on safety command, assess injury, apply appropriate first aid, ensure other children move to safe area