Lesson 1 - Overarm Throwing and Catching
Foundational Skills Development
•Year 3
•Cricket
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How can we master overarm throwing to make cricket fielding more effective and exciting?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm throwing technique with accuracy and control
- To improve catching skills using correct hand positioning and body stance
- To apply throwing and catching skills in game-like cricket situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate correct overarm throwing technique with opposite foot forward
- Students will catch tennis balls consistently using wide fingers and soft hands
- Students will work cooperatively in pairs and small groups during cricket activities
Equipment & Resources Required
Store in equipment bag at edge of playing area
Alternative: Foam balls for students with catching difficulties
Distribute around perimeter for spacing and game boundaries
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural landmarks
Used as targets and collection points in games
Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles
For setting up accurate 5m and 7m distances
Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones
Key Vocabulary
Throwing technique with arm extended above shoulder height
Spreading fingers apart when catching to create a larger catching surface
Relaxed hands that cushion the ball on impact rather than rigid hands
Stepping forward with the foot opposite to your throwing arm
Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball
Collecting and returning the ball to prevent runs in cricket
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with both hands
- Understanding of personal space and safety
- Following simple game rules and instructions
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique with opposite foot placement
- Catching with wide fingers and soft hands
- Applying skills in competitive game situations
Next Steps
- Bowling technique with bounce and accuracy
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
- Batting skills and hand-eye coordination
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Opposite foot forward when throwing overarm - step with left foot if throwing with right hand
- Throwing arm must go back higher than shoulder height with elbow bent for power
- Point throwing hand toward target after release for accuracy and follow-through
- Wide fingers like spider's web when catching - creates larger surface area
- Soft hands cushion the ball on impact - avoid rigid, tense catching
- Eyes must track the ball from release to catch - maintain visual contact
- Communication in fielding - call teammate's name to indicate readiness and avoid confusion
Common Misconceptions
- Students think throwing harder equals throwing further - emphasis needed on technique over power
- Same foot forward as throwing arm - demonstrate how this reduces power and accuracy
- Catching with rigid hands - show how soft hands absorb impact better
- Looking away before completing catch - stress importance of watching ball all the way
- Underarm throwing is easier - explain when overarm is more effective in cricket
- Individual success is most important - highlight how team communication improves everyone's performance
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts, clear physical boundaries marked, regular movement breaks, immediate positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment, reduced complexity in games, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear visual routine schedule, quiet zones available, consistent equipment placement, predictable activity structure
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls, verbal cues for ball location, buddy system for spatial awareness, audio signals for start/stop
hearing impairment
- Visual demonstrations of techniques, hand signals for instructions, written coaching points on display cards
physical disability
- Seated throwing practice, modified distances, larger/lighter balls, wheelchair accessible spaces
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring distances for throwing, counting consecutive catches, scoring points in games, calculating angles of trajectory
Science
Forces in throwing - push and pull, trajectory and gravity, energy transfer from thrower to ball
Geography
Directions and spatial awareness, understanding of distance and measurement, cricket as global sport
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, managing emotions during competition, resilience when facing challenges
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Stand where you can see all students, move around groups during activities to provide individual feedback
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing technique, safe catching position, positive communication, fair play
Intervention Points
Step in if students struggling with technique, safety concerns arise, or group dynamics need support
Demonstration Notes
Use exaggerated movements to show technique clearly, involve students in demonstrations, show both correct and incorrect technique for comparison
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Point to your target!'
- •'Wide fingers like a spider!'
- •'Soft hands to cushion the ball!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m, clear of obstacles and other classes
Surface Check
Dry, even surface free from hazards, good grip for running
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check tennis balls are not split or damaged
- •Ensure cones have no sharp edges or cracks
- •Hoops checked for damage and placed securely
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body during throwing practice
- •Collisions between students during running activities
- •Slips and falls during direction changes
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries established with adequate spacing between activities
- •Throwing directions controlled to avoid stray balls
- •Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
- •Constant supervision during equipment distribution
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
- •Monitor throwing technique to prevent dangerous releases
- •Watch for student fatigue during running activities
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately with whistle, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school medical support if needed