Lesson 6 - Wicketkeeping & Team Play
Technical Mastery Focus
•Year 3
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
Sign up free to access 3 complete units per month, unlimited activity library, and your personal locker.
What's included
- Complete activity instructions & timing
- Teaching tips & differentiation strategies
- Assessment guidance & success criteria
- Downloadable lessons & units
How does a wicketkeeper help their team win the game?
Learning Objectives
- Use accurate throws to return a ball from the field
- Strike a bowled ball to score runs for your team
- Explain the role and importance of the wicketkeeper in cricket
Key Outcomes
- Students will perform accurate fielding returns to the wicketkeeper
- Students will understand the strategic importance of the wicketkeeper position
- Students will apply cricket skills in a competitive team game format
Equipment & Resources Required
Position 15 metres apart for Year 3
Alternative: Cones with pool noodles balanced on top
Size 4 or 5 cricket bats suitable for Year 3
Alternative: Tennis rackets or rounders bats
Ensure balls are suitable for safe catching
Alternative: Softer cricket balls or foam balls
Child-sized gloves if available
Alternative: Gardening gloves or bare hands
Mark clear boundaries appropriate to space
Alternative: Markers or chalk lines
Simple scoring format for students to manage
Alternative: Whiteboard or clipboard
Key Vocabulary
The player who stands behind the wickets to collect the ball and attempt run-outs
When the wicketkeeper removes the bails while the batter is out of their crease
When fielders break the wickets before the batters reach the crease
A set of six consecutive bowls delivered from one end
The line behind which batters must stay to be safe from run-outs
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching skills
- Understanding of cricket batting and bowling basics
- Experience with fielding positions and ball returns
Current Skills
- Wicketkeeping stance and positioning
- Quick ball collection and stumping techniques
- Team game application and strategy
Next Steps
- Advanced wicketkeeping techniques including diving catches
- Leading team fielding strategies
- Understanding more complex cricket rules and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Wicketkeeper positioning: one step behind stumps, directly in line with middle stump
- Quick hands and secure catching technique are essential for effective wicketkeeping
- Always move toward the stumps when attempting stumpings or run-outs
- Communication between fielders and wicketkeeper is crucial for team success
- Constant alertness and readiness for every ball delivered
- Fair team selection with mixed abilities and inclusive participation
- Positive encouragement and good sportsmanship throughout the game
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking wicketkeeper should stand directly next to the stumps - correct distance is one step back
- Believing wicketkeeper only needs to catch balls - they must also attempt run-outs and stumpings
- Assuming wicketkeeping is easier than other fielding positions - it requires constant concentration
- Not understanding that wicketkeeper should move toward stumps for stumping attempts
- Thinking that only the wicketkeeper can break the stumps - any fielder can attempt run-outs
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Frequent position changes to maintain engagement, clear boundaries and expectations, regular positive feedback
dyspraxia
- Larger, softer balls for easier catching, extra practice time for skill development, simplified movement patterns
autism spectrum
- Clear, predictable routines for game format, visual schedule of lesson activities, quiet zone available if needed
visual impairment
- Use bright coloured balls and stumps, provide verbal descriptions of field positions, buddy system with sighted partner for guidance
hearing impairment
- Use visual signals for game instructions, ensure wicketkeeper can see umpire clearly, written instruction cards available
physical disability
- Adapted wicketkeeping position (seated if needed), modified stumping actions, adjusted throwing distances
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Cricket vocabulary development, communication skills between players, following and giving clear instructions
Maths
Scoring calculations, measuring 15-metre pitch distances, counting balls in overs, statistics from game results
Science
Forces when catching and throwing balls, reaction times and reflexes, effects of exercise on body
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, fair play and sportsmanship, managing competitive emotions, leadership skills
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between the two cricket pitches to observe both games, with particular focus on wicketkeeping technique and safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct wicketkeeping stance, safe ball handling, team cooperation, and application of taught skills
Intervention Points
Step in to correct unsafe wicketkeeping positioning, provide technical coaching during practice, and ensure fair team selection
Demonstration Notes
Use clear, exaggerated movements when showing wicketkeeping techniques, involve confident students in demonstrations, and emphasise safety throughout
Verbal Cues
- •'Knees bent, ready position!'
- •'Move toward the stumps!'
- •'Quick hands, secure the ball!'
- •'Well done, excellent teamwork!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for two cricket pitches with adequate run-off areas
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes, stones or other hazards
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check stumps are stable and properly positioned
- •Ensure tennis balls are in good condition
- •Verify cricket bats are appropriate size for Year 3
- •Check wicketkeeping gloves fit properly if used
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to body or head
- •Collisions between players during fielding
- •Overexertion during intense game play
- •Falls when moving quickly to stumps
Risk Mitigation
- •Use soft tennis balls rather than hard cricket balls
- •Ensure adequate spacing between players and pitches
- •Monitor intensity and provide rest breaks as needed
- •Teach safe movement techniques around stumps
- •Clear boundary markings to prevent collisions
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position to observe both cricket pitches simultaneously
- •Monitor wicketkeeper positioning for safety
- •Watch for fatigue during extended game play
- •Ensure fair play and appropriate competitive spirit
Emergency Procedures
Stop play immediately for any injury, assess severity, provide appropriate first aid and seek additional support if required