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Lesson 3 - Throwing & Running Skills

Progressive Skill Integration

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Year 4

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Cricket

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51 min

Big Question

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

Cricket Equipment

6-8

Distributed between teams for throwing activities

Alternative: Bean bags, foam balls for safety

Large Soft Balls

Placed in centre of court for Marbles game

Alternative: Large cones, skittles, or foam targets

Tees

6-8

Set at appropriate height for Year 4 students

Alternative: Large cones, adjustable tees

Stumps

7 sets

Positioned for batting and wicketkeeping practice

Alternative: Cones arranged in groups of three

Dish Cones

20-25

Mark boundaries, fielding positions, and rotation points

Alternative: Flat markers, rope lines

Key Vocabulary

Front foot drive

A batting stroke where the batter steps forward with their front foot and drives the ball along the ground

Sliding the bat

Extending the bat along the ground when running to safely make your ground at the crease

Backing up

Fielders positioning themselves behind teammates to stop overthrows and support the main fielder

Making your ground

Getting your bat or body safely behind the crease line when running between wickets

Two-handed pick up

A fielding technique where both hands are used to securely collect a fast-moving ball

Wicketkeeper

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

Consistent accuracy in throwing to target

Controlled batting stroke with correct footwork

Clear communication and decision-making in fielding

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