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Lesson 1 - Overarm Throwing and Catching

Cricket Skills & Team Play

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Year 4

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Cricket

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45 min

Big Question

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

Tennis Balls

Distributed around perimeter of area for easy collection

Alternative: Soft-touch balls, bean bags for catching practice

Cones

Various colours for different activities and clear visibility

Alternative: Markers, spots, or natural boundaries

Hoops

Placed strategically for target practice and game activities

Alternative: Chalk circles, rope circles, or small mats

Key Vocabulary

Overarm throw

A throwing technique where the arm goes over the shoulder in a high arc motion

Follow-through

Continuing the throwing motion after releasing the ball, pointing towards target

Opposite foot

The foot opposite to your throwing arm that steps forward during the throw

Wide fingers

Spreading fingers apart when catching to create a larger catching surface

Soft hands

Relaxed hands that give slightly when catching to cushion the ball

Fielding team

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

Consistent step with opposite foot when throwing

Catching without fumbling when ball thrown accurately

Smooth coordination between catching and throwing in game situations

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