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Lesson 1 - Catching and Striking Fundamentals

Cricket Skill Progression

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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Big Question

How can we use our eyes and hands together to catch bouncing balls and strike them accurately?

Learning Objectives

To develop catching skills after one bounce with increasing accuracy
To learn how to strike a ball off a tee with control
To understand basic running between wickets and crease safety

Key Outcomes

Students will catch a ball after one bounce using correct technique
Students will strike a ball off a tee into space
Students will demonstrate safe movement within defined areas

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection

Alternative: Rubber playground balls, bean bags for practice

Cricket Equipment

6-8 bats

Spaced 5 metres apart in designated striking area

Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top

Coloured Cones

20-30 cones

Used for boundaries, wickets, and activity zones

Alternative: Floor spots, bean bags as markers

Hoops

6 large hoops

Placed 5 metres from team starting positions

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles

Chalk

2-3 pieces

For marking crease lines on playground surface

Alternative: Masking tape, rope lines

Key Vocabulary

Bounce

When the ball hits the ground once before being caught

Tee

A stand that holds the ball still for striking

Crease

The line that batsmen must cross to be safe when running

Wickets

The distance between two sets of stumps that batsmen run between

Striking

Hitting the ball with a bat to send it into space

Fielding

Collecting and returning the ball to stop runs being scored

Skill Progression Pathway

Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going

Prior Learning

Basic throwing and catching with both hands
Simple ball bouncing skills
Understanding of personal space and boundaries

Current Skills

Catching balls after one bounce
Striking a stationary ball from a tee
Running between marked points safely

Next Steps

Catching balls on the full from various heights
Striking moving balls
Understanding fielding positions and tactics

Milestone Indicators

Catches 7 out of 10 bouncing balls

Strikes ball off tee into target areas

Demonstrates safe running technique consistently

Key Teaching Points

Eyes must track the ball throughout its flight and bounce
Catching hands should be ready like holding a baby, soft and cupped
Overarm throwing technique from shoulder creates consistent bounce
Safe bat carrying and handling prevents injuries to self and others
Running between wickets requires bat to cross crease line for safety
Teamwork and encouragement help everyone improve their skills
Spatial awareness prevents collisions during movement activities

Common Misconceptions

Students think they can catch before the ball bounces - reinforce one bounce rule
Belief that throwing harder makes catching easier - teach controlled throwing
Assumption that running faster scores more runs - emphasise technique over speed
Thinking bat can be carried any way when running - demonstrate safe carrying method
Expecting immediate success with striking - normalise practice and improvement process

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Short activity bursts, clear boundaries, regular position changes, immediate positive feedback, movement breaks as needed

dyspraxia

Larger, softer balls for easier catching, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step skill breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual activity schedule, quiet zones for breaks, consistent language and instructions

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls, clear verbal descriptions of activities, buddy system for guidance, textured markers for boundaries

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all skills, hand signals for instructions, written rule cards, partner communication system

physical disability

Seated catching activities, modified throwing distances, lightweight equipment, adapted striking from wheelchair height

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Counting runs scored, measuring distances between wickets, timing activities, team score calculations

Science

Forces and motion when ball bounces, trajectory and angles in throwing, gravity effects on ball movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, directions and pathways in movement, mapping activity areas

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when skills are challenging, fair play and honesty in games

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the area to observe all students, position at corners for maximum visibility during activities

Observation Focus

Watch for correct catching technique, safe movement patterns, positive team interactions, and equipment handling

Intervention Points

Step in immediately for unsafe behaviour, provide individual coaching for struggling students, mediate any conflicts

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements for skill demonstrations, involve students in showing good technique, repeat key points frequently

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Soft hands for catching!'
•'Safe movement around others!'
•'Encourage your teammates!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles and hazards

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from trip hazards, suitable for running activities

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Balls properly inflated and undamaged
•Bats checked for cracks or splinters
•Cones stable and visible
•Hoops in good condition without sharp edges

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes to head or body
•Collisions during movement activities
•Slips and falls on playing surface
•Unsafe bat handling and carrying

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established and maintained
•Adequate spacing between activities and students
•Safe bat carrying techniques taught and enforced
•Proper throwing techniques to prevent injury

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all groups
•Monitor high-activity areas during games
•Ensure safe equipment handling at all times
•Regular safety reminders throughout lesson

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid, contact school office if needed