Lesson 1 - Overarm Throwing and Catching
Cricket Skills & Team Play
•Year 4
•Cricket
•Start Planning Better PE Lessons
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How can we use our whole body to throw accurately and catch safely in cricket?
Learning Objectives
- To develop overarm throwing technique with accuracy and consistency
- To improve catching skills using correct body position and hand positioning
- To apply throwing and catching skills in cricket-based game situations
Key Outcomes
- Students will demonstrate improved overarm throwing technique with step and follow-through
- Students will catch balls consistently using appropriate hand positioning and body alignment
- Students will apply skills effectively in game situations with tactical awareness
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed around perimeter of area for easy collection
Alternative: Soft-touch balls, bean bags for catching practice
Various colours for different activities and clear visibility
Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries
Placed strategically for target practice and game activities
Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or small mats
Key Vocabulary
A throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder in a high arc motion
Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball, pointing towards target
The foot opposite to your throwing arm that steps forward during the throw
Spreading fingers apart when catching to create a larger catching surface
Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball
The team that is trying to retrieve and return the ball
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic throwing and catching with large balls
- Understanding of safe movement in shared space
- Following simple game rules and instructions
Current Skills
- Overarm throwing technique with step and follow-through
- Catching with correct hand positioning and body alignment
- Applying skills in cricket-based activities
Next Steps
- Underarm bowling technique in cricket
- Batting skills and ball striking
- Advanced fielding positions and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Step forward with opposite foot to throwing arm for maximum power and accuracy
- Throwing arm must go back higher than shoulder level before releasing ball
- Follow through by pointing throwing hand directly at target after release
- Keep eyes focused on ball throughout entire flight when catching
- Use wide fingers and soft hands to create cushioning effect when catching
- Communication with teammates is essential - call their name before throwing
- Overarm throws are faster than running with ball in cricket games
Common Misconceptions
- Same foot forward gives more power - actually reduces accuracy and power significantly
- Throwing harder always means throwing further - technique and accuracy more important than force
- Looking at thrower instead of ball when catching - must track ball with eyes throughout
- Stiff arms and hands make better catches - soft, relaxed hands cushion ball effectively
- Running with ball is sometimes faster - throwing always travels faster than running
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Break activities into shorter segments, provide frequent positive feedback, use movement breaks, clear physical boundaries for activities
dyspraxia
- Use larger, slower-moving balls initially, break down throwing technique into smaller steps, provide additional practice time, offer physical guidance
autism spectrum
- Provide clear structure and routine, use visual schedule of activities, offer quiet space if overwhelmed, consistent verbal cues and instructions
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured tennis balls, provide verbal descriptions of ball flight, use audio cues for throwing direction, buddy system for spatial awareness
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for communication, written instruction cards, ensure students can see teacher's face when speaking
physical disability
- Adapt to seated throwing if needed, use larger/softer balls, reduce throwing distances, provide support for catching practice
Cross-Curricular Links
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, counting consecutive catches, calculating scores in Scatterball, understanding angles and trajectories
Science
Forces and motion in ball flight, gravity effects on ball path, energy transfer from arm to ball, physics of catching impact
Geography
Understanding directions and spatial awareness, mapping field positions, using compass points for tactical placement
PSHE
Teamwork and cooperation, communication skills, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and sportsmanship
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move around perimeter of area for visibility of all students, position near group needing most support
Observation Focus
Watch for correct footwork, arm position, and follow-through in throwing; assess catching readiness and technique
Intervention Points
Step in when throwing becomes too forceful, technique breaks down under pressure, or safety concerns arise
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion demonstrations for technique, exaggerate key points, repeat multiple times from different angles
Verbal Cues
- •'Opposite foot forward!'
- •'Arm high and back!'
- •'Follow through to your target!'
- •'Wide fingers, soft hands!'
- •'Watch the ball all the way!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 20m x 30m clear space, suitable for throwing activities
Surface Check
Even, non-slip surface free from obstacles, suitable for running and catching
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Tennis balls checked for damage and appropriate inflation
- •Cones positioned securely and visible to prevent trips
- •Hoops placed flat on ground and not overlapping walking areas
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body from poorly aimed throws
- •Collisions between students moving to catch balls
- •Trips over equipment or other students during games
- •Muscle strain from overenthusiastic throwing
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear boundaries and adequate spacing between activities established
- •Progressive skill building from gentle to more powerful throws
- •Emphasis on communication before throwing to ensure readiness
- •Regular technique reminders to prevent overexertion
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for maximum visibility of all groups during games
- •Monitor high-activity areas where multiple balls in use
- •Check throwing technique remains controlled throughout lesson
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess situation, provide appropriate first aid if needed, ensure other students remain safe distance away