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Lesson 5 - Catching High Balls and Fielding

Team Play Striking Skills

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Year 1

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Store in basket at edge of area for easy collection

Alternative: Low bounce tennis balls, bean bags for beginners

Hoops

10 (various sizes)

Different sizes available for differentiation

Alternative: Chalk circles on playground, rope circles

Markers

12 cones or markers

Set up triangular running bases for each group

Alternative: PE spots, chalk marks

Wall Space

Wall area or sports hall wall

Clear area in front of wall for safe practice

Alternative: Large rebound boards, playground wall

Key Vocabulary

Catching

Using your hands to stop and hold a ball that is coming towards you

Fielding

Working as a team to collect the ball and stop the other team from scoring

Tracking

Following the ball with your eyes as it moves through the air

Absorb

Bringing the ball gently into your body so it doesn't bounce out

Underarm throw

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

Student can catch 3 out of 5 balls from chest height

Student demonstrates proper catching hand position

Student moves towards the ball rather than waiting

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