Lesson 5 - Catching High Balls and Fielding
Team Play Striking Skills
•Year 1
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we become better catchers and work together as a team to stop runs being scored?
Learning Objectives
- To attempt to catch a ball that has been hit in the air
- To position effectively as fielders to limit runs scored
- To identify how to move and position to cover more space when fielding
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved catching technique for high balls
- Students will show understanding of fielding positions and teamwork
- Students will apply catching and fielding skills in a game situation
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in basket at edge of area for easy collection
Alternative: Low bounce tennis balls, bean bags for beginners
Different sizes available for differentiation
Alternative: Chalk circles on playground, rope circles
Set up triangular running bases for each group
Alternative: PE spots, chalk marks
Clear area in front of wall for safe practice
Alternative: Large rebound boards, playground wall
Key Vocabulary
Using your hands to stop and hold a ball that is coming towards you
Working as a team to collect the ball and stop the other team from scoring
Following the ball with your eyes as it moves through the air
Bringing the ball gently into your body so it doesn't bounce out
Throwing the ball with your hand coming from below, like bowling
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching at waist height
- Understanding of simple fielding games
- Ability to track a ball with their eyes
Current Skills
- Catching balls from increased height
- Working as a team to field effectively
- Applying catching skills in game situations
Next Steps
- Catching balls while moving
- More complex fielding strategies
- Striking and fielding in competitive games
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Hands in cupped position with palms up and pinky fingers almost touching creates secure catching platform
- Always track the ball with your eyes from the moment it leaves the thrower's hand until it reaches your hands
- Move your feet to get your body under the ball rather than reaching out to catch it away from your body
- Absorb the ball gently into your hands and bring it towards your chest - don't snatch or grab at it
- Communication between fielders is essential - call 'mine!' clearly when going for a catch to avoid collisions
- Fielders should spread out to cover maximum space and think tactically about where balls are most likely to land
- Practice builds confidence - the more you practice proper catching technique, the more successful you'll become
Common Misconceptions
- Students often think catching high balls requires the same technique as low balls - emphasise different hand positions and body preparation
- Many students try to catch the ball away from their body instead of getting underneath it - practice moving feet to good positions
- Some students close their eyes just before the ball arrives - encourage keeping eyes open and following the ball all the way to hands
- Fielders sometimes all run to the same ball instead of covering different areas - teach communication and zone responsibility
- Students may think harder throwing means better throwing - emphasise accuracy and appropriate height over power
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Use shorter activity segments, provide clear boundaries, give specific roles and responsibilities, use positive behaviour reinforcement frequently
dyspraxia
- Use larger balls initially, slow down demonstrations, break down catching technique into smaller steps, provide extra practice time and encouragement
autism spectrum
- Provide clear visual schedule of activities, allow sensory breaks if needed, give advance warning of activity changes, consistent routine structure
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, pair with sighted buddy for guidance during activities
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, written instruction cards, tap shoulder for attention, use hand signals for game instructions
physical disability
- Adapt catching height to student ability, allow seated catching, use larger lighter balls, modify base running to individual capability
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Key vocabulary development, following multi-step instructions, explaining tactics to teammates, reflection discussions
Science
Understanding forces when catching - absorption of impact, gravity affecting ball flight, trajectory and prediction
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, dealing with success and failure, encouraging others, developing resilience and confidence
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position centrally during demonstrations to ensure all students can see and hear
Observation Focus
Watch for correct catching hand position, effective teamwork during fielding, and safe participation throughout
Intervention Points
["Step in if students not following safety guidelines", "Provide additional support for students struggling with catching technique", "Mediate any disputes during competitive activities"]
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate catching technique slowly first, then at normal speed. Use students to help demonstrate good examples when appropriate. Emphasise key teaching points through exaggerated movements.
Verbal Cues
- •'Cupped hands, palms up!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way to your hands!'
- •'Call for the ball - let your team know!'
- •'Absorb the ball gently into your body!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m clear space, wall area for warm-up activities
Surface Check
Level, non-slip surface free from obstacles and trip hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Foam balls checked for damage before use
- •Hoops inspected for cracks or sharp edges
- •Base markers secured and positioned safely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to face during high catching
- •Collisions between fielders chasing same ball
- •Trips while running around bases
Risk Mitigation
- •Use of soft foam balls reduces injury risk
- •Clear spacing between groups prevents collisions
- •Emphasis on calling for catches prevents fielder collisions
- •Bases positioned with safe running distances
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe all groups during activities
- •Monitor high throwing activities for safety
- •Watch for proper catching technique to prevent hand injuries
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical procedures if required