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Lesson 3 - One-Handed Ball Collection

Progressive Cricket Play

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

How can fielders become faster and more effective at collecting and returning the ball?

Learning Objectives

Develop one-handed ball collection techniques using both dominant and non-dominant hands
Learn to return balls quickly from low positions without standing up
Understand and demonstrate awareness of striking and fielding game rules and boundaries

Key Outcomes

Students will pick up rolling balls using one hand with proper technique
Students will return balls underarm directly from bootlace height
Students will show understanding of batting, fielding positions and game rules

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

15-20

Store in basket for easy collection and distribution

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for students needing softer equipment

Cones

30-40

Use for boundaries, wickets, and crease markers

Alternative: Markers, plastic cups, or chalk circles

Dish Cones

As needed

For marking creases and boundaries clearly

Alternative: Rope, skipping ropes laid flat, or existing court lines

Tennis Rackets

8-10

Light, child-friendly equipment for striking practice

Alternative: Paddle bats, rounders bats, or cardboard alternatives

Tees

4-6

Adjustable height for different student heights

Alternative: Upturned cones, plastic bottles, or teacher holding ball

Key Vocabulary

One-handed pickup

Collecting a ball using the hand closest to the ball for efficiency

Underarm return

Throwing the ball with an underhand motion for accuracy and speed

Bootlace height

Returning the ball from a low position without standing up first

Crease

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

Run out

When a batsman is dismissed by fielders breaking the stumps before they reach the crease

Backpedal

Moving backwards while keeping eyes on the ball or action

Wicket-keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps, like a goalkeeper

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic underarm throwing technique
Simple catching with two hands
Understanding of taking turns and following instructions

Current Skills

One-handed ball collection technique
Quick returns from low positions
Game awareness in striking and fielding contexts

Next Steps

Accurate throwing at targets under pressure
Advanced fielding positions and responsibilities
Batting techniques and shot selection

Milestone Indicators

Students choose appropriate hand for ball collection automatically

Returns are made without unnecessary movement or delay

Students understand when to run and when to stay in batting situations

Key Teaching Points

Use the hand nearest to the ball for efficient collection - avoid reaching across the body
Return balls from low position without standing up - this saves crucial time in game situations
Palm should face the ball direction during pickup for natural, smooth collection
Gentle underarm throwing ensures accuracy and gives teammates catchable balls
Backpedal while maintaining eye contact with ball and teammates for realistic fielding practice
Sliding the bat to make ground is essential cricket technique for safe running
Team coordination in fielding requires clear communication and quick decision-making

Common Misconceptions

Students may think they should always use their dominant hand - emphasise nearest hand concept
Many believe they must stand up before throwing - demonstrate time advantage of low returns
Some think harder/faster rolls help practice - explain that controlled rolls develop better technique
Students may assume diving is required for ground-making - teach safe bat sliding technique only
Some may think individual skill is more important than team coordination - highlight collective success
Misconception that overarm throws are more powerful - show accuracy advantages of underarm throwing
Belief that running fast is more important than technique - emphasise skill development over speed

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear physical boundaries, use movement breaks between explanations, offer specific roles and responsibilities

dyspraxia

Use larger, lighter equipment for easier handling, provide additional practice time, break down movements into smaller steps, offer physical guidance for technique

autism spectrum

Provide clear, structured routines with visual schedule, offer quiet space for breaks if overwhelmed, use consistent language and signals, prepare for activity transitions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and cones, provide audio cues for ball rolling, ensure clear verbal descriptions of spatial setup, pair with sighted buddy for support

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher's face for lip reading

physical disability

Adapt pickup to seated version using appropriate balls, modify distances according to mobility, provide alternative roles like score keeping or coaching teammates

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following complex instructions, using specific vocabulary like 'crease' and 'underarm', communicating effectively during team activities

Science

Understanding forces involved in throwing and catching, effects of exercise on heart rate and breathing, coordination and balance during movement

PSHE

Taking turns fairly, encouraging teammates, dealing with competitive disappointment, celebrating others' achievements, working cooperatively in teams

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activity areas for maximum oversight. During skill development, position yourself where you can see the most students attempting the key techniques.

Observation Focus

Watch for proper swooping pickup technique, safe backpedalling, and appropriate use of nearest hand. Monitor group dynamics and fair turn-taking.

Intervention Points

Step in if students revert to unsafe two-handed lunging for balls, if groups become unbalanced, or if competitive elements override skill development focus.

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly. Have confident students demonstrate good examples. Show common mistakes deliberately so students can identify them.

Verbal Cues

•'Swoop don't grab!' for pickup technique reminders
•'Palm faces the ball!' for correct hand positioning
•'Low return!' to prevent standing up before throwing
•'Eyes on your partner!' during backpedalling activities

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Large indoor hall (minimum 20m x 15m) or outdoor hard court area, clear of obstacles

Surface Check

Non-slip surface free from water, debris, or trip hazards. Check for any protruding equipment

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are properly inflated and in good condition
•Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Verify bats/rackets are appropriate size and weight for Year 1 students
•Confirm batting tees are stable and height-adjustable

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body during throwing/batting activities
•Collisions between students during running and fielding
•Slips and falls during direction changes and backpedalling
•Bat handling incidents during striking activities

Risk Mitigation

•Maintain adequate spacing between activity groups (minimum 15m)
•Use soft tennis balls rather than hard cricket balls
•Position fielders at angles to avoid collision with runners
•Establish clear rules for safe bat handling and storage
•Ensure controlled, underarm throwing only
•Mark all crease lines clearly to prevent tripping

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups during activities
•Pay special attention during batting activities for safe technique
•Monitor backpedalling activities for balance and spatial awareness
•Watch for fatigue affecting coordination and decision-making

Emergency Procedures

Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs. Assess situation and provide appropriate first aid. Ensure injured student is not moved unnecessarily and seek additional medical support if required.