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Lesson 6 - Wicketkeeping & Team Play

Technical Mastery Focus

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Year 3

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Cricket

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Big Question

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

Cricket Stumps

2 sets per pitch (6 stumps total)

Position 15 metres apart for Year 3

Alternative: Cones with pool noodles balanced on top

Cricket Equipment

4-6 bats

Size 4 or 5 cricket bats suitable for Year 3

Alternative: Tennis rackets or rounders bats

Tennis Balls

6-8 balls

Ensure balls are suitable for safe catching

Alternative: Softer cricket balls or foam balls

Gloves

2-3 pairs

Child-sized gloves if available

Alternative: Gardening gloves or bare hands

Dish Cones

22 cones

Mark clear boundaries appropriate to space

Alternative: Markers or chalk lines

Score Sheets

1 per team

Simple scoring format for students to manage

Alternative: Whiteboard or clipboard

Key Vocabulary

Wicketkeeper

The player who stands behind the wickets to collect the ball and attempt run-outs

Stumping

When the wicketkeeper removes the bails while the batter is out of their crease

Run-out

When fielders break the wickets before the batters reach the crease

Over

A set of six consecutive bowls delivered from one end

Crease

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

Can maintain correct wicketkeeping stance throughout game

Successfully completes run-outs and stumpings

Provides helpful coaching advice to teammates

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