Lesson 1 - Catching and Striking Fundamentals
Cricket Skill Progression
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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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
Distributed around area perimeter for easy collection
Alternative: Rubber playground balls, bean bags for practice
Spaced 5 metres apart in designated striking area
Alternative: Traffic cones with tennis balls balanced on top
Used for boundaries, wickets, and activity zones
Alternative: Floor spots, bean bags as markers
Placed 5 metres from team starting positions
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles
For marking crease lines on playground surface
Alternative: Masking tape, rope lines
Key Vocabulary
When the ball hits the ground once before being caught
A stand that holds the ball still for striking
The line that batsmen must cross to be safe when running
The distance between two sets of stumps that batsmen run between
Hitting the ball with a bat to send it into space
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
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