Lesson 4 - Catching Techniques and Application
Team Tactics & Strategy
•Year 3
•Cricket
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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
Distributed in equipment bags at activity stations
Alternative: Soft training balls, cricket balls for advanced students
Used to mark activity areas and court boundaries
Alternative: Markers, small equipment to mark boundaries
Key Vocabulary
Using both hands to secure and control a ball that is thrown or hit towards you
Standing balanced on the balls of feet with hands prepared to catch
Following the flight of the ball with your eyes from release to catch
The team that is trying to prevent the batting team from scoring runs
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
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