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Lesson 1 - Overarm Throwing and Catching

Foundational Skills Development

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Year 3

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

30 (1 per student)

Store in equipment bag at edge of playing area

Alternative: Foam balls for students with catching difficulties

Cones

Distribute around perimeter for spacing and game boundaries

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural landmarks

Hoops

Used as targets and collection points in games

Alternative: Chalk circles or rope circles

Measuring Tapes

For setting up accurate 5m and 7m distances

Alternative: Pre-marked distances with cones

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm extended above shoulder height

Wide fingers

Spreading fingers apart when catching to create a larger catching surface

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that cushion the ball on impact rather than rigid hands

Opposite foot

Stepping forward with the foot opposite to your throwing arm

Follow through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball

Fielding

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

Consistent overarm throws reaching partner without bouncing

Catching 8 out of 10 throws at chest height

Demonstrating good sportsmanship and communication

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