Lesson 2 - Ball Stopping and Leg Side Hitting
Team Challenge Cricket
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we become brilliant at stopping balls and hitting to the leg side to score runs?
Learning Objectives
- To stop a ball safely using two hands with proper barrier technique
- To strike a ball off a tee towards the leg side with control
- To understand when to run and when to stay during batting
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct two-handed catching with foot placement
- Students will successfully hit balls to designated leg side areas
- Students will make tactical decisions about running between wickets
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed to pairs around activity area
Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for catching practice
Available at batting stations
Alternative: Short tennis racquets, wooden paddles
Positioned at batting spots
Alternative: Traffic cones turned upside down, small stands
For marking boundaries, targets, and running points
Alternative: Bean bags, markers
Mark batting positions and running bases
Alternative: Small cones, tape crosses on ground
Key Vocabulary
Placing your foot or body behind your hands to stop the ball if you miss the catch
Going down on one knee sideways to create a large barrier to stop the ball
The side of the field on the same side as the batsman's legs
A stand that holds the ball still for hitting
When fielders get the ball to the wicket before the runner arrives
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball rolling techniques
- Simple catching with two hands
- Understanding of taking turns
Current Skills
- Two-handed ball stopping with barrier
- Leg side striking off a tee
- Basic running decisions in games
Next Steps
- Fielding moving balls
- Striking pitched balls
- Advanced tactical running
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Always use two hands when stopping cricket balls for safety and success
- Create a barrier behind your hands with foot or body to prevent ball escaping
- Move in line with the ball first, then create your long barrier position
- Strike balls off the tee towards the leg side for scoring runs
- Make quick decisions about running based on where the ball goes
- Communicate clearly with teammates during fielding to avoid confusion
- Practice makes perfect - repeat correct technique until it becomes automatic
Common Misconceptions
- One hand is enough to stop the ball - emphasise two hands working together
- The barrier is just for show - explain it prevents balls getting past
- Any knee can go down for long barrier - teach correct knee for throwing hand
- Always run when you hit the ball - develop tactical awareness of when to run
- Fielders should all chase the ball - teach roles and backing up
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback
dyspraxia
- Simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, larger equipment, reduced complexity
autism spectrum
- Clear routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet zones available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for guidance
hearing impairment
- Clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for instructions, written activity cards
physical disability
- Modified grips on bats, seated barrier positions, adjusted distances and targets
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, communication skills, following instructions
Maths
Counting runs scored, measuring distances, calculating target areas and angles
Science
Forces and motion in ball striking, trajectory and speed, body mechanics in throwing
PSHE
Teamwork, fair play, resilience when facing challenges, leadership opportunities
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Central location with clear sight lines to all groups, rotate between activities
Observation Focus
Correct technique, safety awareness, cooperative behaviour, tactical understanding
Intervention Points
Step in when technique unsafe, groups not cooperating, or students struggling significantly
Demonstration Notes
Use students to demonstrate good technique whenever possible, exaggerate key teaching points for visibility
Verbal Cues
- •'Two hands together!'
- •'Move to the ball first!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way!'
- •'Communicate with your team!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large outdoor area or sports hall, minimum 30m x 20m per group
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from hazards and debris
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check bats/racquets for cracks or splinters
- •Ensure balls are in good condition
- •Cones placed safely away from swinging areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision during warm-up games
- •Ball strikes during fielding
- •Bat swings hitting others
- •Trips over equipment
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and safe zones established
- •Controlled swinging areas around batters
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
- •Constant supervision of all groups
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to see all groups simultaneously
- •Move between groups regularly
- •Watch for fatigue affecting safety
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid or support