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Lesson 4 - Catching Techniques and Application

Team Tactics & Strategy

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Year 3

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

How can accurate catching help us become better fielders and win matches?

Learning Objectives

Develop safe and accurate catching technique with hands and eyes working together
Apply catching skills in game situations under pressure
Understand the importance of catching in cricket and how it affects team performance

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct catching technique with hands ready and eyes tracking the ball
Students will catch balls at different heights and speeds with increasing accuracy
Students will apply catching skills strategically in fielding positions during game play

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per student (30)

Distributed in equipment bags at activity stations

Alternative: Soft training balls, cricket balls for advanced students

Cones

15 (for team identification)

Used to mark activity areas and court boundaries

Alternative: Markers, small equipment to mark boundaries

Key Vocabulary

Catching

Using both hands to secure and control a ball that is thrown or hit towards you

Ready position

Standing balanced on the balls of feet with hands prepared to catch

Eye tracking

Following the flight of the ball with your eyes from release to catch

Fielding

The team that is trying to prevent the batting team from scoring runs

Underarm throw

Throwing technique where the ball is released below waist height in an upward arc

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and simple throwing skills
Understanding of personal space and safe movement
Experience with basic underarm throwing technique

Current Skills

Correct catching hand position and body stance
Eye tracking and ball flight prediction
Catching balls at different heights and speeds
Application of catching in game situations

Next Steps

Catching while moving and on the run
One-handed catching techniques
Advanced fielding positions and tactical awareness
Catching from bat strikes and deflections

Milestone Indicators

Consistent catching with two hands when stationary

Ability to adjust hand position for high and low catches

Successful catches in game pressure situations

Understanding of how catching affects game outcomes

Key Teaching Points

Hands must be ready before the ball arrives - early preparation is crucial
Eyes should track the ball from release to secure catch
Different hand positions for high balls (W shape) and low balls (basket shape)
Balanced body position on balls of feet for quick movement
Gentle, accurate throwing helps partners succeed with catching
Catching prevents runs in cricket - every catch matters for the team
Practice and persistence improve catching accuracy and confidence

Common Misconceptions

Misconception: 'I should grab at the ball quickly' - Correction: 'Use soft, cupped hands to cushion the catch'
Misconception: 'I only need to get ready when the ball is thrown' - Correction: 'Ready position should be maintained throughout fielding'
Misconception: 'Hard throws help my partner practice better' - Correction: 'Gentle, accurate throws give best catching practice'
Misconception: 'Catching is only important for the wicket keeper' - Correction: 'All fielders need catching skills to help the team'
Misconception: 'I should keep the same hand position for all catches' - Correction: 'Hand position changes depending on ball height'

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts with frequent position changes, clear boundaries marked with cones, regular positive reinforcement

dyspraxia

Use larger balls for easier catching, provide additional practice time, break skills into smaller steps

autism spectrum

Provide clear routines and structure, offer quiet retreat space if overwhelmed, use visual schedule of activities

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball flight, establish buddy system for spatial awareness

hearing impairment

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

physical disability

Adapt catching from seated position, use larger/lighter balls, modify throwing distances as needed

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Following instructions, using descriptive vocabulary for techniques, communicating with partners and teammates

Maths

Counting catches in sequences, timing activities in seconds and minutes, measuring distances between partners

Science

Forces and motion in ball flight, reaction time and coordination, balance and stability during catching

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, resilience when making mistakes, supporting others' learning and development

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the outside of activities to observe all students, position centrally during demonstrations

Observation Focus

Watch for correct hand positioning, eye tracking, and safe throwing technique

Intervention Points

Step in if throwing becomes too forceful, if students aren't following safety guidelines, or if someone is struggling significantly

Demonstration Notes

Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing catching positions, demonstrate both correct and incorrect technique for comparison

Verbal Cues

•'Hands ready early!'
•'Watch the ball all the way!'
•'Gentle, accurate throws!'
•'W shape for high, basket for low!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 20m x 30m clear space for group activities, indoor hall or outdoor field suitable

Surface Check

Even, non-slip surface free from holes, wet patches, or loose objects

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Check tennis balls are in good condition with no cracks or splits
•Ensure adequate number of balls to avoid sharing conflicts
•Verify cones have no sharp edges or broken pieces

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Balls hitting students in face during catching practice
•Collisions between students moving in same space
•Slips and trips from balls on ground
•Overenthusiastic throwing causing injury

Risk Mitigation

•Establish clear throwing zones and distances
•Teach appropriate catching stance and hand positioning
•Emphasise gentle, controlled throwing throughout
•Maintain adequate spacing between working pairs/groups
•Clear instruction about collecting dropped balls safely

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe all groups during activities
•Monitor throwing force and accuracy closely
•Watch for students not paying attention to incoming balls
•Ensure equipment is collected safely between activities

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately if injury occurs, assess student safety, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aid coordinator if needed