Lesson 5 - Chasing, Retrieving & Batting
Team Challenge Cricket
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
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How can good communication and quick decision-making help us succeed in striking and fielding games?
Learning Objectives
- To develop the ability to chase and retrieve a ball effectively
- To make good decisions when batting about when to run and when not to run
- To communicate effectively with teammates during game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will chase and retrieve balls with improved speed and accuracy
- Students will demonstrate decision-making skills when batting
- Students will communicate clearly with teammates during activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed at batting stations
Alternative: Short tennis rackets, foam bats
Available at each station
Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls
Positioned 50cm in front of batting position
Alternative: Cones with ball balanced on top
Set up wickets and target areas
Alternative: Plastic stumps, markers
Key Vocabulary
The player who stands behind the wickets to collect the ball
Throwing technique with arm going over the shoulder for distance and accuracy
The ball hitting the ground once before reaching the wicket-keeper
Batsmen running from one end to the other to score runs
The side of the field to the left of a right-handed batter
When fielders get the ball to the wickets before the batsman reaches safety
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills
- Understanding of simple throwing techniques
- Awareness of running and stopping on command
Current Skills
- Chasing and retrieving moving balls
- Making batting decisions under pressure
- Communicating effectively during game situations
Next Steps
- Advanced fielding positions and responsibilities
- Complex batting strategies and shot selection
- Team tactics and field placement
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Clear, loud communication is essential for batting partnerships to work effectively
- Decision-making must be quick but smart - safety first, runs second
- Overarm throwing with high elbow and opposite foot forward gives best accuracy
- Chasing balls requires commitment and speed - get to the ball as quickly as possible
- Good teamwork means supporting your partner's decisions even if you disagree
- One-bounce returns to wicket-keeper require practice and concentration
- Batting position (back and across) sets up successful leg-side striking
Common Misconceptions
- Students think they must always run when the ball is hit - explain that staying safe is more important
- Belief that shouting louder makes you run faster - emphasise that clear communication helps decision-making
- Thinking that hard hits are always better - demonstrate that controlled striking toward targets is more effective
- Assuming that catching the ball is more important than accurate returns - focus on technique over spectacular catches
- Misconception that only the batsman who hits the ball makes the running decision - both batsmen must communicate
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Regular activity changes, clear boundaries, positive reinforcement for focus
dyspraxia
- Simplified equipment, additional demonstration time, partner support
autism spectrum
- Clear routine establishment, visual schedule of activities, quiet reflection zones
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls, verbal descriptions of field setup, partner support for guidance
hearing impairment
- Visual signals for communication, demonstrate batting and fielding positions clearly
physical disability
- Lighter equipment options, seated batting variations, adapted throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting runs scored, measuring distances for equipment setup, calculating success rates
Science
Forces involved in throwing and striking, friction between ball and surface
Geography
Spatial awareness, understanding direction (leg side), mapping movement patterns
PSHE
Communication skills, teamwork, making decisions under pressure, celebrating others' success
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Circulate between groups to observe technique and communication, position to see batting areas clearly
Observation Focus
Communication clarity, decision-making speed, throwing technique development, teamwork quality
Intervention Points
Step in if students not communicating effectively, support groups struggling with decision-making, ensure safety during batting
Demonstration Notes
Use students as positive examples when possible, demonstrate overarm throwing technique clearly, show batting stance and footwork
Verbal Cues
- •'Loud and clear calling!'
- •'Watch the ball, make your decision!'
- •'Great teamwork!'
- •'High elbow for throwing!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Large hall or outdoor space minimum 30m x 20m for multiple groups
Surface Check
Non-slip surface, free from holes or obstacles, dry conditions if outdoors
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check cricket bats/rackets for damage before use
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
- •Cones placed securely and visible
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collision between students during chasing activities
- •Being struck by bat during swinging motion
- •Slipping while running between wickets
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate space between groups
- •Establish safe swinging zones with no students behind batsmen
- •Ensure surface is suitable for running and stopping safely
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe batting areas for safe swing zones
- •Monitor running areas for collisions
- •Check communication between students is positive and supportive
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately if injury occurs, assess situation, apply first aid if qualified, seek additional support if required