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Lesson 4 - Long Barrier Technique

Technical Mastery Focus

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Year 3

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Cricket

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49 min

Big Question

How can fielders work together to create an unbreakable barrier against ground balls?

Learning Objectives

To stop a moving ball using the long barrier technique consistently
To collect and return a moving ball effectively as part of a fielding team
To apply long barrier skills in game situations to prevent runs

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate correct long barrier body position with knee down and hands positioned
Students will successfully stop ground balls using the barrier technique in practice situations
Students will work collaboratively as fielders to collect and return balls in game scenarios

Equipment & Resources Required

Cricket Equipment

6-8 balls

Ensure balls are appropriate weight for Year 3 students

Alternative: Tennis balls or foam balls for safety

Hoops

8-10 hoops

Used as team stores and collection points

Alternative: Cones arranged in circles or markers

Cones

20 cones

For marking boundaries, running points, and field positions

Alternative: Markers or bean bags

Balls

10-15 bean bags

Additional items for 'Rob the Bank' warm-up activity

Alternative: Small balls or markers

Bibs

2 sets of different colours

To distinguish teams during activities

Alternative: Coloured bands or team markers

Key Vocabulary

Long Barrier

A fielding technique where one leg is placed vertically on the ground to create a barrier against ground balls

Ground Ball

A cricket ball that travels along or bounces low on the ground towards fielders

Barrier

A physical obstacle created by the fielder's body to prevent the ball from passing through

Supporting Leg

The leg that remains standing while the other creates the barrier in long barrier technique

Collection

The process of gathering and securing the ball after it has been stopped

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic ball handling and catching skills
Understanding of cricket fielding positions
Experience with simple ground ball collection

Current Skills

Long barrier technique with correct body position
Stopping ground balls consistently
Team fielding coordination and communication

Next Steps

Advanced fielding techniques including diving stops
Throwing accuracy to wicketkeeper or bowler
Reading ball trajectory and positioning

Milestone Indicators

Consistent one-knee position with supporting leg creating barrier

Hands positioned correctly in front of barrier

Quick recovery and return of ball to designated area

Key Teaching Points

Long barrier technique requires one knee down with supporting foot close to create effective barrier
Hands must be positioned in front of the barrier leg ready to receive the ball
Getting in line with the ball before adopting position is crucial for success
Team communication and coordination essential for effective fielding
Technique practice in pairs before game application improves success rate
Progressive skill building from static practice to dynamic game situations
Safety awareness particularly important during kneeling movements

Common Misconceptions

Both knees should be on ground - actually only one leg creates the barrier while other supports
Long barrier can be used for any ball height - actually most effective for ground balls only
Faster positioning is always better - actually correct positioning is more important than speed
Individual skill is sufficient - actually team coordination crucial for fielding success
Long barrier is only for cricket - actually useful in many sports involving ground ball collection

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity segments with regular changes, clear boundaries and expectations, movement breaks, positive reinforcement for focus

dyspraxia

Larger, slower-moving balls, additional practice time for technique, break down skills into smaller steps, provide physical guidance

autism spectrum

Clear routine structure, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zones available if needed, consistent language and instructions

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for positioning guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations with clear hand signals, written instruction cards, ensure student can see teacher demonstrations clearly

physical disability

Seated or standing versions of long barrier, modified ball sizes and speeds, adapted field positions based on mobility

Cross-Curricular Links

English

Vocabulary development with cricket terminology, communication skills during team coordination, following and giving instructions clearly

Maths

Counting points scored, measuring distances for field boundaries, calculating team totals and comparing scores

Science

Understanding forces when stopping moving balls, balance and stability in long barrier position, physics of ball movement along ground

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation in fielding situations, resilience when learning new skills, respect for teammates and opponents

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Move around the activity area to observe technique from multiple angles, position for clear demonstration visibility

Observation Focus

Watch for correct long barrier body position, effective ball stopping, team coordination and communication

Intervention Points

Step in when technique is unsafe, provide encouragement for effort over outcome, clarify rules if confusion arises

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for long barrier position, show common mistakes followed by correct technique, involve students in demonstrations when appropriate

Verbal Cues

•'Knee down, foot close!'
•'Get in line with the ball!'
•'Hands ready in front!'
•'Work together team!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 25m x 20m clear area for full activities

Surface Check

Even, dry surface suitable for kneeling and running movements

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Soft balls appropriate for Year 3 age group to prevent injury
•Hoops and cones checked for sharp edges or damage
•Equipment arranged to avoid trip hazards

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Knee injuries from incorrect long barrier technique
•Collisions during running activities
•Ball strikes to face or body

Risk Mitigation

•Teach correct kneeling technique to protect knees
•Clear boundaries and pathways for all running activities
•Use appropriate ball types and speeds for age group
•Supervision of technique to prevent dangerous positioning

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position to observe long barrier technique execution
•Monitor game activities for safe play
•Check for signs of fatigue or discomfort during kneeling

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury, provide first aid if trained, seek additional help if needed