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Lesson 5 - Fielding Techniques

Cricket Skills & Team Play

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Year 4

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Cricket

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52 min

Big Question

How can I become a defensive wall that no ball can get past?

Learning Objectives

To master two-handed pick up technique for approaching balls
To develop short barrier technique for close ball stopping
To apply fielding skills in competitive game situations

Key Outcomes

Students will demonstrate accurate two-handed pick up with correct body positioning
Students will execute short barrier technique with foot and hand coordination
Students will select appropriate fielding technique based on ball trajectory and speed

Equipment & Resources Required

Tennis Balls

1 per pair (15 total)

Distributed to pairs at start of skill development

Alternative: Soft cricket balls, foam balls for safety

Cricket Equipment

15 (1 per group of 2)

Stored safely when not in use, one per batting pair

Alternative: Rounders bats, plastic cricket bats

Cricket Wickets

7 sets

Set up around playing area for game activities

Alternative: Cones arranged as stumps, target posts

Cones

60 total

Used for boundaries, goals, and distance markers throughout lesson

Alternative: Markers, spot markers

Key Vocabulary

Two-handed pick up

A fielding technique where both hands scoop up a rolling ball while moving towards it

Short barrier

A defensive fielding technique using foot as backup barrier behind hands

Tracking

Moving your body to stay in line with a moving ball

Fielder

A player whose job is to stop the ball and prevent runs

Wicket keeper

The fielder who stands behind the stumps to collect the ball

Skill Progression Pathway

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

Prior Learning

Basic catching and throwing skills from previous cricket lessons
Understanding of overarm and underarm throwing techniques
Basic movement and tracking skills

Current Skills

Two-handed pick up technique for approaching balls
Short barrier technique for defensive fielding
Decision making for technique selection

Next Steps

Advanced fielding positions and tactical awareness
Wicket keeping skills and stumping techniques
Team fielding strategies and communication

Milestone Indicators

Consistent foot positioning behind the ball

Smooth coordination between hands and feet

Quick decision making between techniques

Key Teaching Points

Tracking the ball with eyes and body movement is essential for successful fielding
Feet positioned behind the ball provide security and control
Two-handed collection with little fingers together ensures reliable ball handling
Short barrier technique uses foot as backup safety barrier
Technique selection depends on ball speed and fielder position
Immediate reaction to ball release improves fielding success
Communication between fielders enhances team performance

Common Misconceptions

Students thinking one technique works for all situations - emphasise appropriate selection
Believing faster collection is always better - stress control and accuracy first
Assuming fielding is less important than batting - highlight defensive game value
Thinking feet position doesn't matter - demonstrate security benefits
Expecting immediate perfection - encourage practice and gradual improvement

SEN Adaptations

ADHD

Shorter activity bursts, clear boundaries, immediate positive feedback, movement between activities

dyspraxia

Simplified coordination requirements, extra practice time, larger targets and equipment

autism spectrum

Clear visual routines, quiet zones available, predictable activity structure

visual impairment

Use brightly coloured balls, provide verbal cues for ball location, buddy system for guidance

hearing impairment

Visual demonstrations, clear hand signals for game starts, written instruction cards

physical disability

Modified distances for throwing, larger equipment if needed, seated fielding options

Cross-Curricular Links

Maths

Measuring 7-metre distances, counting runs scored, calculating success rates, understanding angles for throwing

Science

Forces in ball movement, friction with ground surface, body mechanics for efficient movement

Geography

Spatial awareness and positioning, direction of ball travel, understanding field layout

PSHE

Teamwork and cooperation, handling success and failure, communication skills, sportsmanship and fair play

Teacher Guidance

Positioning

Central location with clear sightlines to all students, move between groups during practice

Observation Focus

Watch for correct foot positioning, safe throwing techniques, and positive interactions

Intervention Points

Step in for technique corrections, safety concerns, or behaviour management

Demonstration Notes

Use exaggerated movements for visibility, repeat key techniques multiple times, involve confident students in demonstrations

Verbal Cues

•'Feet behind the ball!'
•'Track it with your eyes!'
•'Two hands, little fingers together!'
•'Sideways foot for barrier!'

Safety Considerations

Space & Surface Requirements

Space Requirements

Minimum 30m x 40m open area with clear boundaries and run-off space

Surface Check

Level playing surface free from holes, debris, or slippery areas

Equipment Safety

Safety Checks

•Tennis balls checked for proper condition and firmness
•Cones inspected for cracks or sharp edges
•Cricket bats stored safely when not in use
•Wickets positioned with adequate throwing clearance

Risk Management

Key Risks

•Ball strikes from wild throws or deflections
•Collisions during running activities
•Slips and falls on uneven surfaces
•Equipment-related injuries from improper handling

Risk Mitigation

•Clear throwing zones established with adequate spacing
•Controlled ball speeds appropriate for skill level
•Progressive skill building from simple to complex
•Constant supervision during high-activity games

Supervision & Emergency Procedures

Supervision Points

•Position for visibility of all groups during games
•Monitor high-activity areas closely
•Ensure proper technique to prevent injury
•Intervene immediately for unsafe behaviour

Emergency Procedures

Stop activity immediately, assess injury severity, provide appropriate first aid, complete incident documentation if required