Lesson 4 - Wicketkeeper 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 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
Distributed to group leaders for Hot Potato activity
Alternative: Bean bags, tennis balls
Used as targets for bowling practice and boundary markers
Alternative: Small markers, bean bags
Different sizes available for student choice
Alternative: Hand hitting, foam bats
Positioned at each batting end
Alternative: 3 cones in triangular formation
Key Vocabulary
The fielder who stands behind the wicket to catch balls and try to get batters out
Crouched stance with knees bent, hands ready, on balls of feet
Getting a batter out by breaking the wicket when they step out of their crease
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
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