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Lesson 5 - Two-Handed Fielding Skills

Foundational Skills Development

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Year 3

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Cricket

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1h 6min

Big Question

How can we become brilliant fielders who help our team win cricket matches?

Learning Objectives

To be able to field a ball using a two-handed pick up technique
To be able to field a ball using a short barrier technique
To develop tracking and positioning skills for effective fielding

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct two-handed pick up technique with accuracy
Students will use the short barrier method to stop rolling balls effectively
Students will show improved ball tracking and positioning skills in game situations

Equipment & Resources Required

Cones

Used for goals, boundaries, and positional markers

Alternative: Markers, bean bags, chalk lines for boundaries

Cricket Equipment

One per batting pair, stored safely when not in use

Alternative: Tennis rackets, rounders bats, hockey sticks

Cricket Wickets

Set up at appropriate distances for games

Alternative: Cones in triangle formation, bottles, skittles

Tennis Balls

Softer than cricket balls for safety, easier to handle

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls, bean bags

Key Vocabulary

Two-handed pick up

A fielding technique where both hands work together to collect a moving ball

Short barrier

A fielding method using foot as backup barrier with hands collecting the ball

Tracking

Following the ball's path with your eyes and moving body to stay in line

Fielder

A player whose job is to stop the ball and prevent the batting team from scoring

Overarm throw

Throwing technique with arm going over shoulder for distance and accuracy

Wickets

The three wooden stumps that batters must protect in cricket

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills
Understanding of ball movement and direction
Simple two-handed collection of stationary objects

Current Skills

Two-handed pick up technique for moving balls
Short barrier method for stopping rolling balls
Ball tracking and body positioning
Overarm throwing accuracy

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and strategies
One-handed fielding techniques
Throwing to specific targets under pressure
Wicket keeping skills

Milestone Indicators

Consistently tracks ball movement with body

Demonstrates correct foot and hand positioning

Shows quick ball release and accurate throwing

Makes appropriate technique selections in game situations

Key Teaching Points

Ball tracking is fundamental - eyes must follow ball throughout its movement
Body positioning behind ball provides best collection opportunity and safety
Two techniques serve different purposes - pick up for moving towards, barrier for blocking
Teamwork in fielding creates multiple chances to prevent scoring
Gentle progression from practice to game application builds confidence
Fair play and sportsmanship are as important as technique development
Individual technique preferences are valid and should be encouraged

Common Misconceptions

Thinking faster ball collection always means better - controlled technique is more effective than rushing
Believing one fielding technique works for all situations - different scenarios need different approaches
Assuming fielding is less important than batting - good fielding wins cricket games
Thinking you must catch every ball perfectly - positioning and backup systems are crucial
Believing throwing harder means more accurate - controlled technique produces better results

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear movement boundaries, regular position changes, immediate feedback and praise

dyspraxia

Slower ball speeds, larger equipment, extra practice time, step-by-step technique breakdown

autism spectrum

Clear routines and structure, visual schedules for activity sequence, quiet areas available, predictable turn-taking

visual impairment

Use bright coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of all movements, use buddy system for positioning

hearing impairment

Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards for technique points

physical disability

Seated fielding positions, modified throwing distances, larger targets, adapted equipment as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring distances (7m, 15m), counting turns and scores, understanding angles of movement and ball direction

Science

Forces and motion in ball throwing, friction effects on rolling balls, body mechanics in fielding movements

Geography

Spatial awareness, understanding direction and positioning, mapping movement patterns around field

PSHE

Teamwork and communication, resilience when making mistakes, fair play and sportsmanship values

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Stand at corner of area for visibility of all groups, move between activities to provide individual support

Observation Focus

Watch for correct technique execution, appropriate ball tracking, safe movement patterns, and positive teamwork

Intervention Points

Step in if techniques are unsafe, students not tracking ball properly, or game intensity becomes inappropriate

Demonstration Notes

Demonstrate: Exaggerate key technique points for visibility, use slow motion for complex movements, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Eyes on the ball!'
•'Move your feet to the ball!'
•'Little fingers together!'
•'Foot behind the ball!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m area clear of obstacles, suitable for running and ball throwing

Surface Check

Dry, even surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas that could cause falls

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for damage - no splits or hard areas
•Cones have no sharp edges or cracks
•Cricket wickets stable and properly assembled
•Bats appropriate size and weight for Year 3 students

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Collisions between running students during games
•Ball strikes from throwing or rolling activities
•Trips and falls during rapid movement to collect balls
•Equipment hazards from scattered cones or bats

Risk Mitigation

•Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activity areas
•Controlled ball speed - gentle rolling only
•Progressive skill building from static to dynamic activities
•Proper equipment storage when not in active use

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for maximum visibility of all activity areas
•Monitor spacing during partner work and games
•Watch for students attempting unsafe techniques or speeds
•Ensure fair play and appropriate challenge levels

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid support, and contact school medical personnel if needed