🏏

Lesson 4 - Wicketkeeper Skills & Play

Striking Game Tactics

•

Year 2

•

Striking & Fielding

•

45 min

Big Question

How can I be a brilliant wicketkeeper to help my team stop runs and get batters out?

Learning Objectives

To recognise and understand the role of a wicketkeeper in Hit Catch Run games
To position correctly and move effectively to stop balls as a wicketkeeper
To practise wicketkeeping skills in game situations and demonstrate good technique

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct wicketkeeper positioning and movement
Students will explain the key responsibilities of a wicketkeeper
Students will apply wicketkeeping skills effectively in game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Softballs

7 (1 per group of 6)

Distributed to group leaders for Hot Potato activity

Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls

Dish Cones

8-10

Used as targets for bowling practice and boundary markers

Alternative: Small markers, bean bags

Cricket Equipment

4-6

Different sizes available for student choice

Alternative: Hand hitting, foam bats

Cricket Stumps

2 sets

Positioned at each batting end

Alternative: 3 cones in triangular formation

Key Vocabulary

Wicketkeeper

The fielder who stands behind the wicket to catch balls and try to get batters out

Ready position

Crouched stance with knees bent, hands ready, on balls of feet

Stumping

Getting a batter out by breaking the wicket when they step out of their crease

Body behind ball

Positioning yourself so the ball hits your body if you miss the catch

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of batting and bowling in Hit Catch Run
Experience working in teams

Current Skills

Wicketkeeper positioning and stance
Moving to intercept balls
Understanding wicketkeeper's role in team strategy

Next Steps

Advanced wicketkeeping techniques including stumping
Communication skills as wicketkeeper
Tactical awareness in field positioning

Milestone Indicators

Maintains ready position throughout activity

Successfully stops 7/10 balls directed at wicket

Demonstrates quick ball return to bowler

Key Teaching Points

Ready position is fundamental - knees bent, hands up, on balls of feet
Body positioning behind the ball is more important than just catching
Quick, accurate returns to bowler or base maintain game flow
Communication with teammates is essential for effective wicketkeeping
Safety first - appropriate speeds and distances at all times
Build confidence through progressive challenges and positive reinforcement
Link skills to real game situations for meaningful learning

Common Misconceptions

Thinking wicketkeeper only needs to catch - emphasise stopping and blocking too
Believing you must catch everything with hands - body positioning is crucial backup
Assuming wicketkeeper doesn't need to move - show importance of getting behind ball
Thinking ready position means being rigid - emphasise alert, bouncing movement
Believing only tall or strong students can wicketkeep - emphasise technique over size

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with regular position changes, clear boundaries and expectations, plenty of active involvement

dyspraxia

Larger equipment options, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time with adult support, step-by-step instruction breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear, predictable routine structure, visual schedule of activities, quiet space available if needed for regulation

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal descriptions of positioning, buddy system for movement guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations of all techniques, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards available

physical disability

Adapted ready position appropriate to individual needs, seated wicketkeeping options, modified throwing distances

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with cricket/sport terms, following and giving instructions, descriptive language for technique

Maths

Counting successful catches, measuring distances for practice setup, timing activities and calculating improvements

Science

Understanding forces when catching and throwing, balance and centre of gravity in ready position, reaction times

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, building confidence through skill development, resilience when learning challenging skills

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move between practice areas to observe technique, position centrally during demonstrations for visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct ready position, safe movement patterns, and appropriate ball handling technique

Intervention Points

Step in if students using excessive force, showing unsafe technique, or not following positioning guidelines

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, emphasise safety aspects, repeat key demonstrations as needed

Verbal Cues

•'Ready position - knees bent, hands up!'
•'Body behind the ball!'
•'Quick catch and throw!'
•'Stay low when you move!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 20m clear area for multiple game zones and skill practice

Surface Check

Even, dry surface free from holes or debris, suitable for running and quick movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check all balls are in good condition without cracks
•Ensure bat handles are secure and appropriate sizes available
•Cones positioned securely and visible to all participants

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between students during movement to balls
•Balls striking students in face or body during practice
•Slips and falls during quick directional changes
•Strain from incorrect wicketkeeper positioning

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries established between practice areas
•Gentle throwing/bowling speeds enforced throughout
•Regular technique checks to prevent strain or injury
•Adequate spacing maintained between all activities

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe multiple practice pairs simultaneously
•Monitor wicketkeeper positioning for balance and safety
•Watch for appropriate ball speeds during practice and games

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid support, ensure other students remain calm and safe