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Lesson 5 - Backstop Skills & Play

Striking Game Tactics

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Year 2

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Striking & Fielding

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45 min

Big Question

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

Large Soft Balls

6-8

Distribute between groups for bowling and target practice

Alternative: Tennis balls, foam balls

Balloons

4-6

For tracking and coordination activities

Alternative: Beach balls, light foam balls

Cones

Mark bases, boundaries, and targets for Rolling Rocks game

Alternative: Markers, bean bags

Tennis Balls

Targets for Rolling Rocks activity on top of cones

Alternative: Bean bags, small balls

Bibs

8-10

Distinguish teams and positions during games

Alternative: Coloured bands, team markers

Key Vocabulary

Backstop

The fielding position behind the batter who stops balls that are missed

Wicketkeeper

The cricket equivalent of a backstop who stands behind the stumps

Tracking

Following the path of the ball with your eyes and moving your body to get behind it

Ready position

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

Maintains crouched ready position for extended periods

Successfully tracks and stops 7/10 balls

Makes appropriate throw decisions (bowler vs base 1)

Demonstrates understanding through verbal explanations

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