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Lesson 2 - Ball Stopping and Leg Side Hitting

Team Challenge Cricket

•

Year 1

•

Striking & Fielding

•

45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15)

Distributed to pairs around activity area

Alternative: Foam balls, bean bags for catching practice

Cricket Equipment

1 per group of 4 (8)

Available at batting stations

Alternative: Short tennis racquets, wooden paddles

Tees

1 per group of 4 (8)

Positioned at batting spots

Alternative: Traffic cones turned upside down, small stands

Cones

24 total

For marking boundaries, targets, and running points

Alternative: Bean bags, markers

Spots

Mark batting positions and running bases

Alternative: Small cones, tape crosses on ground

Key Vocabulary

Barrier

Placing your foot or body behind your hands to stop the ball if you miss the catch

Long barrier

Going down on one knee sideways to create a large barrier to stop the ball

Leg side

The side of the field on the same side as the batsman's legs

Tee

A stand that holds the ball still for hitting

Run out

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

Consistent two-handed stops

Accurate leg side strikes

Quick decision-making when running

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