Lesson 5 - Backstop Skills & Play
Striking Game Tactics
•Year 2
•Striking & Fielding
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How can a backstop help their team win by being quick and accurate with the ball?
Learning Objectives
- Recognise the role of a backstop and its likeness to the wicketkeeper
- Attempt to track and stop balls missed by batters
- Understand the importance of getting in line and behind the ball
Key Outcomes
- Students will be able to play the role of a backstop effectively
- Students will demonstrate tracking and stopping skills
- Students will explain why positioning is important in backstop play
Equipment & Resources Required
Distribute between groups for bowling and target practice
Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls
For tracking and coordination activities
Alternative: Beach balls, light foam balls
Mark bases, boundaries, and targets for Rolling Rocks game
Alternative: Markers, bean bags
Targets for Rolling Rocks activity on top of cones
Alternative: Bean bags, small balls
Distinguish teams and positions during games
Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers
Key Vocabulary
The fielding position behind the batter who stops balls that are missed
The cricket equivalent of a backstop who stands behind the stumps
Following the path of the ball with your eyes and moving your body to get behind it
Crouched stance with weight on balls of feet, hands ready to receive
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic ball handling skills from previous lessons
- Understanding of hitting and catching from Unit 1
- Knowledge of basic rounders positions
Current Skills
- Backstop positioning and stance
- Tracking moving balls
- Quick decision making with ball distribution
- Understanding similarities between rounders and cricket roles
Next Steps
- Advanced backstop techniques with multiple bases
- Tactical awareness for game situations
- Leadership skills in directing fielding team
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Backstop is the safety net for the team - always ready to help
- Getting behind the ball with your body is better than reaching with your hands
- Quick decision-making is crucial - bowler or base 1?
- Ready position: crouched, balanced, hands open, eyes alert
- Communication with teammates makes everyone better
- Practice and patience help develop confidence in the role
- Backstop and wicketkeeper have very similar protective roles
Common Misconceptions
- Backstop just stands there doing nothing - actually requires constant alertness and quick reactions
- Any catch counts as success - must be in proper position behind the ball
- Throwing hard is always better - accuracy and appropriate power are more important
- Only the best catchers can be backstop - everyone can learn with practice and support
- Backstop doesn't need to communicate - clear communication helps the whole team succeed
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide clear movement boundaries, use high-interest equipment like balloons
dyspraxia
- Allow extra practice time for coordination, use predictable ball paths, provide step-by-step position guides
autism spectrum
- Establish clear routines for position changes, provide visual schedule of activities, create quiet zone if needed
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide clear verbal descriptions of positions, assign sighted peer support
hearing impairment
- Use visual demonstrations and hand signals, provide written instruction cards, ensure good sight lines for lip reading
physical disability
- Modify throwing distances, allow seated or supported positions, use larger lighter equipment, provide adapted grips
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Counting points scored by teams, measuring distances between bases, calculating success rates
Science
Understanding forces in ball throwing, studying body balance and centre of gravity in ready position
Geography
Using directional language (behind, forward, left, right), mapping field positions and movement patterns
PSHE
Developing teamwork skills, building resilience when facing challenges, learning to support peers
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position at corner for visibility during games, stand behind fielders during demonstration
Observation Focus
Watch for correct backstop stance, track decision-making speed, monitor throwing accuracy and safety
Intervention Points
Step in if children struggle with positioning, provide additional support for ball tracking, ensure fair rotation of roles
Demonstration Notes
Always demonstrate with slow, exaggerated movements for clarity, involve children in demonstrations when safe, repeat key points multiple times
Verbal Cues
- •'Get behind the ball!'
- •'Quick decision - bowler or base?'
- •'Bend those knees!'
- •'Eyes on the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 15m x 20m indoor space or outdoor playground area, clear of obstacles
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from hazards, suitable for running and stopping
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check soft balls are appropriate size and condition
- •Ensure balloons are properly inflated without defects
- •Verify cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Confirm all throwing equipment is soft and safe
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Collisions during running to base
- •Falls when moving quickly to stop balls
- •Ball strikes from poor throwing
- •Overexertion in competitive activities
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear running lanes to base 1 established
- •Use of soft balls only for all activities
- •Adequate spacing between groups during games
- •Progressive skill building from simple to complex
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all groups during activities
- •Monitor backstop positioning for safety
- •Watch for signs of fatigue or frustration
- •Ensure fair play and positive interactions
Emergency Procedures
Stop activity immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed