Lesson 3 - Throwing & Running Skills
Progressive Skill Integration
•Year 4
•Cricket
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How can we use accurate throwing and smart running to score runs and prevent the opposition from scoring?
Learning Objectives
- To develop accurate and powerful throwing technique using proper body mechanics
- To learn and apply the front foot drive batting technique with correct footwork
- To understand and demonstrate tactical awareness in fielding situations including backing up
Key Outcomes
- Students will throw with improved accuracy and power using correct technique
- Students will execute front foot drives and run between wickets with proper sliding technique
- Students will demonstrate tactical awareness through effective communication and positioning
Equipment & Resources Required
Distributed between teams for throwing activities
Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for safety
Placed in centre of court for Marbles game
Alternative: Large cones, skittles, or foam targets
Set at appropriate height for Year 4 students
Alternative: Large cones, adjustable tees
Positioned for batting and wicketkeeping practice
Alternative: Cones arranged in groups of three
Mark boundaries, fielding positions, and rotation points
Alternative: Flat markers, rope lines
Key Vocabulary
A batting stroke where the batter steps forward with their front foot and drives the ball along the ground
Extending the bat along the ground when running to safely make your ground at the crease
Fielders positioning themselves behind teammates to stop overthrows and support the main fielder
Getting your bat or body safely behind the crease line when running between wickets
A fielding technique where both hands are used to securely collect a fast-moving ball
The fielder who stands behind the stumps and collects the ball, similar to a goalkeeper
Skill Progression Pathway
Understanding where pupils are coming from and where they're going
Prior Learning
- Basic overarm throwing action
- Understanding of cricket field positions
- Simple batting off a tee
Current Skills
- Accurate and powerful throwing technique
- Front foot drive batting stroke
- Running between wickets with sliding technique
- Tactical fielding awareness and backing up
Next Steps
- Different batting strokes (back foot, pull shot)
- Bowling technique and accuracy
- Advanced field positioning and tactics
Milestone Indicators
Key Teaching Points
- Throwing technique: high elbow, side-on position, weight transfer from back to front foot
- Front foot drive: head over ball, front foot adjacent to ball, controlled swing through
- Two-handed pick up: back foot at 90 degrees behind ball, swoop down with palms facing ball
- Running between wickets: slide bat along ground to make ground safely at crease
- Tactical awareness: communication for ball responsibility, backing up teammates, decision-making about throwing target
- Safety awareness: clear zones for batting, appropriate equipment use, spatial awareness during fielding
Common Misconceptions
- Thinking power comes from arm only - correct with whole body throwing action
- Believing all throws should be direct to wicketkeeper - explain when to bounce and when to throw direct
- Assuming backing up means getting in the way - clarify supportive positioning behind main fielder
- Thinking bat sliding is just for close calls - emphasise it should be standard practice for safety
- Believing louder calling is better - teach clear, decisive calling rather than shouting
- Assuming tactical awareness is only for advanced players - show how everyone can contribute to team strategy
SEN Adaptations
ADHD
- Shorter activity bursts with regular movement breaks, clear role definitions, immediate feedback, physical leadership roles
dyspraxia
- Larger equipment for easier handling, simplified movement patterns, extra practice time, step-by-step instruction breakdown
autism spectrum
- Clear visual schedule of activities, warning before transitions, quiet space available if needed, consistent routines within lesson structure
visual impairment
- Use brightly coloured balls and equipment, provide verbal descriptions of demonstrations, buddy system for spatial awareness, tactile markers for key positions
hearing impairment
- Use clear visual demonstrations, hand signals for key instructions, written instruction cards, ensure face-to-face communication
physical disability
- Shorter throwing distances, seated batting option, modified grip aids for bat handling, peer assistance for movement
Cross-Curricular Links
English
Technical vocabulary development, giving clear instructions to teammates, descriptive language for tactical discussions
Maths
Measuring throwing distances, calculating runs scored, angles of throws to wickets, time taken for running between wickets
Science
Forces in throwing action, trajectory of ball flight, friction between bat and ball, balance and stability during batting
Geography
Understanding field positions and spatial relationships, mapping optimal fielding positions
PSHE
Teamwork and communication, resilience when facing challenges, fair play and honesty in self-assessment
Teacher Guidance
Positioning
Move between groups during activities, position for clear view during demonstrations, stay alert during batting for safety
Observation Focus
Watch for correct throwing technique, batting footwork, tactical awareness, and safety compliance
Intervention Points
Step in when safety at risk, technique significantly incorrect, or students struggling with tactical concepts
Demonstration Notes
Use slow motion for complex techniques, exaggerate key positions for visibility, involve students in demonstrations where safe
Verbal Cues
- •'High elbow for power!'
- •'Side-on position!'
- •'Head over the ball!'
- •'Call for your ball!'
- •'Back up your teammates!'
Safety Considerations
Space & Surface Requirements
Space Requirements
Minimum 30m x 20m for full activities, with clear zones for batting and throwing
Surface Check
Level, dry surface free from holes or debris, non-slip areas around batting tees
Equipment Safety
Safety Checks
- •Check bats for cracks or splinters before use
- •Ensure batting tees are stable and appropriate height
- •Use soft cricket balls or tennis balls to reduce impact risk
- •Verify stumps are securely positioned
Risk Management
Key Risks
- •Ball strikes to head or body
- •Collisions between students during fielding
- •Tripping over equipment or uneven surface
- •Bat strikes during batting practice
Risk Mitigation
- •Clear zones established for batting with safe distances
- •Fielders positioned outside batting zone until ball is hit
- •Only one group batting at a time in each area
- •Constant supervision during batting activities
- •Use of softer balls to reduce injury risk
Supervision & Emergency Procedures
Supervision Points
- •Position for clear view of all batting groups
- •Monitor spacing between activities
- •Check students following safety instructions
- •Intervene immediately if unsafe behaviour occurs
Emergency Procedures
Stop all activity immediately, assess injury, provide appropriate first aid, contact school first aider if required